Where to take Helicobacter Pylori (Hp) breath test and why?

The Helicobacter pylori (Hp) breath test is used to detect the existence of H.pylori bacteria in the stomach environment. Many people have taken H.p breath tests but do not fully understand why they need this test. So what is the H.p breath test? Where can you take it? And who should take the test? Let's find out in this article. 

What is H.p bacteria?

Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori is a microbe that can survive the stomach's acidic environment. H.p was found in the inner lining of the mucus layer of the stomach. This bacterium secretes an enzyme called urease which is toxic to the gastric mucosa.

Thus, it is considered a risk factor for many dangerous diseases in the stomach, such as peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and, most dangerously, gastric cancer.

                Image - Hoang Long Clinic is equipped with a modern Hp breath test system - BreathID Hp Lab

Why do I need an H.p breath test?

To detect whether the patient has an H.p infection, a rapid urease test during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and/or an H.p breath test (C13/C14 urea breath test) are the two common methods. Because H.p bacteria were distributed diffusely or in patches in the gastric mucosa, it will give negative results if the biopsy sample is taken in an area that does not contain or contains just a small amount of H.p bacteria. Therefore, the doctor will decide if the patient needs to get an additional H.p breath test  for a more accurate result. 

Besides, the breath test is often prescribed for follow-up after H.p eradication. At this time, instead of getting a repeat endoscopy, the patient only needs to take a breath test to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Who should get a Hp breath test?

• People with symptoms of digestive tract disorders such as flatulence, epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, etc. 
• Family history of stomach cancer or H.p infection.
• People who need to evaluate the efficacy of an H.p eradication treatment without endoscopy.

Image – H.p breath test should be done at least 4-6 hours before meals

Reminders before taking the H.p breath test

For a more accurate H.p test result, some recommendations should be followed:

• Do not eat or drink 4-6 hours before the test. The best time to take the test is in the morning when the stomach is empty.
• Stop acid-reducing medicines for 14 days and antibiotics for at least four weeks before the test date. 
• The H.p breath test process will take up to 30 minutes with high safeness and accuracy. Patients need to follow the instructions for accurate test results. 

Where can I get an H.p breath test - advice for people with gastric diseases

"The prevalence of H.p infection in the Vietnamese population is about 70%", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Thang - Director of the Institute for Gastroenterology and Hepatology. "This number is much higher than in the US (45%), the UK (47%), European countries (15-35%), and other developed countries (20-13%). Notably, the prevalence of H.p among children under eight years old is 96.2%, and the rate is even higher in boys. Eating and living habits among family and community, which is the main cause of H.p transmission, affect the prevalence and the re-infection rate of H.p" (According to a study by the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology).

Therefore, Hoang Long General Clinic has equipped an automatic breath test system - BreathID Hp Lab to help detect H.Pylori bacteria FAST and EFFECTIVE. This breath test system, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.9%, is more accurate than antibody-based stool and blood tests. This technique is considered the most advanced technology today, which is safe for all patients, including pregnant/breastfeeding women and children. With high sensitivity and specificity, it helps to improve the efficiency of H.Pylori detection and treatment. 

Hoang Long General Clinic is proud to be a leading medical unit specializing in gastroenterology and hepatology, trusted by millions of patients across Vietnam. You can contact Hoang Long Clinic for more information if you have any difficulties or questions. We will always be the best companion for your health.

Contact information: Hoang Long Clinic

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