The Carbon 13 breath test is an oral administration of 13-labeled urea, a bacterial test that utilizes the principle that H. pylori contains the enzyme urease, a carbon 13 molecule that enters the stomach through the mouth.
H. pylori synthesizes the enzyme urease, which is able to break down urea into water and carbon dioxide. This principle has been exploited for H. pylori testing using carbon 13-labeled urea. Urea enters the stomach and is broken down by the bacteria to produce carbon 13-labeled carbon dioxide, which is breathed out through the mouth and then collected and detected on a spectrophotometer. The presence of carbon 13-labeled carbon dioxide in the breath suggests the presence of H. pylori infection.
The carbon 13 breath test is a simple and easy way to detect H. pylori, is non-invasive, and is painless for the patient. If the patient suspects H. pylori infection, it is recommended that this test be performed to confirm the diagnosis in a timely manner and then intervene accordingly.