Helicobacter pylori (Urea) breath test

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria in the stomach which can cause stomach cancer, ulcers and discomforts.  

The Helicobacter pylori breath test is a reliable, safe and rapid test to determine this bacteria’s presence in your stomach. Unlike other machines, we utilise the Carbon-13 isotope which is non-radioactive and safe even in children and pregnant women.  

The test involves swallowing a Urea capsule which is converted to labelled carbon dioxide by Helicobacter pylori within the stomach. You will blow into a bag and your breath will be analysed for the presence of tagged carbon dioxide to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori in your stomach.

Hydrogen breath test for Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fructose and lactose malabsorption

Sugars in our foods are fermented by bacteria in our intestine to produce hydrogen and acid. Excess amount of hydrogen and acid may cause bloating, diarrhoea and malabsorption. This may occur when there is excess bacteria in your small bowel, known as Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). It can also occur when there is malabsorption of sugars like fructose and lactose.

Depending on your problem, your doctor may choose on or more of the following types hydrogen breath test:

1. Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is the presence of excess bacteria in the small intestine which may cause abdominal pain and bloating. The test involves drinking a glucose drink and blowing into a bag every 20 minutes for 2 hours. Glucose is converted to hydrogen by bacteria in the small bowel and a high amount of hydrogen in your breath indicates SIBO.
2. Fructose malabsorption is the inability of your intestine to absorb the normal amount of fructose. The test involves you drinking a fructose drink and blowing into a bag every 20 minutes for 3 hours. Fructose is converted to hydrogen by bacteria in the small bowel and a high amount of hydrogen in your breath indicates fructose malabsorption.
3. Lactose malabsorption is the inability of your intestine to absorb the normal amount of lactose. The test involves drinking a lactose drink and blowing into a bag every 20 minutes for 3 hours. Lactose in converted to hydrogen by bacteria in the small bowel and a high amount of hydrogen in your breath indicates lactose malabsorption.

Wireless esophageal reflux study

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause heartburn, reflux, chest discomfort, throat discomfort and chronic cough.

The wireless esophageal reflux study utilizes a tiny disposable capsule to measure the acid levels in your esophagus (gullet) over a 48-hour period. The capsule is placed in your esophagus during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A small recorder will then be placed on your neck to capture any events occurring during the 48-hour period.

A prolonged period of acidity in your esophagus indicates GERD.