- Physicians
- Locations
- Conditions
- Conditions Overview
- Abdominal Bloating
- Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Bloody Stool
- Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity
- Colorectal Cancers
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulitis
- Esophageal Cancer
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gallstones
- GERD/Acid Reflux
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Malabsorption
- Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Procedures
- Procedures Prep
- Patient Center
- Blog
- Telehealth
How to Prepare for an H. Pylori Breath Test in NJ
During an H. pylori breath test, samples of exhaled breath are collected so that the isotopic carbon in the exhaled carbon dioxide can be measured. This helps to detect H. pylori bacteria and diagnose an infection so it can be properly treated. If your doctor determines that this type of breath test is needed, there are certain steps you will need to follow to prepare. Breath tests are a simple and safe way for our physicians at DHC to identify and diagnose a variety of conditions so that the proper steps can be taken for optimal digestive health.
Before Your H. Pylori Breath Test
Several considerations must be taken in the days before your H. pylori breath test. You should be finished with all antibiotics and Pepto Bismol one month before the test. The following medications should be stopped two weeks prior unless otherwise specified by your physician:
- Nexium
- Prilosec (Omeprazole)
- Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
- Aciphex
- Dexilant
- Protonix (Pantoprazole)
- Carafate
You should not stop taking any medications without first speaking to your doctor. Our physicians will gladly answer any questions you have about preparation before the test.
The Day of Your Scheduled H. Pylori Breath Test
On the day of your scheduled appointment, you should not have anything to eat or drink six hours before the test. Ahead of the breath test, your physician will explain the steps of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. An H. pylori breath test involves exhaling into a balloon-like bag after drinking a solution that contains urea. The amount of carbon dioxide in the breath samples is measured to determine if an H. pylori infection is present. The breath testing process usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes.
After Your H. Pylori Breath Test
After your breath test is complete, the samples of your breath will be sent to a laboratory where they will be analyzed. Results are often available within 24 to 48 hours and will be conveyed to you via your physician. If the results come back positive for an H. pylori infection, antibiotics may be needed. If this is the case, the breath test will be repeated after the antibiotics are used to ensure that the infection is no longer present. You can resume your normal activities right away, and there are no restrictions following a breath test.
Recent Blogs
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month – Learn More Our gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center are dedicated to keeping our patients informed about all facets of digestive health, including certain conditions that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, affects both men and women in the United States. According to the […]
Learn More About Liver Cancer During Liver Cancer Awareness Month At Digestive Healthcare Center, we strive to keep our patients aware of all manner of conditions so they can recognize the symptoms early on and receive a diagnosis and subsequent treatment as quickly as possible. One such condition is liver cancer, also known as hepatic […]
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety […]
H. Pylori Breath Testing at Digestive Healthcare Center
There are several different kinds of breath tests. Your physician at Digestive Healthcare Center will ensure that you have the proper preparation instructions so that the test can be performed properly and with accurate results. To learn more about the procedures we offer at our gastroenterology centers in NJ or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
