Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a 13C Urea Breath Test?
This is a simple test to look for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium) in the stomach.
It is very important that you have not been taking any of the following drugs in the 2 weeks before your appointment. This is because they interfere with the test.
- Losec (Omeprazole)
- Nexium (Esomeprazole)
- Zoton (Lansoprazole)
- Protium (Pantoprazole)
- Pariet (Rabeprazole)
- Any antibiotics (drugs used to treat infections).
- Drugs containing bismuth
If you have indigestion, you may take any of the H2 receptor antagonist group of drugs, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, but please avoid these on the morning of the test.
Tests to see if specific treatment has worked
If your test is being carried out to see if your recent treatment with anti-acid drugs and antibiotics have been effective in eradicating the H.pylori which was previously diagnosed, it is very important that this appointment takes place a minimum of 4 weeks after the end of treatment.
Preparation
Please have NOTHING to eat or drink for 6 hours before your test.
What will happen?
You will be welcomed to the Lady Sobell Gastrointestinal Unit or Endoscopy Suite at Wexham Park Hospital and asked a few questions to check that it is appropriate to carry out the test.
The 13C Urea Breath Test
You will be asked to drink a lemon flavoured drink (please let the staff know if you are allergic to lemon). Samples of breath will be collected through a straw held between your lips. You will then be asked to drink a clear tasteless solution. Further samples of breath will be collected 30 minutes after the second drink.
During the test you will be asked questions about your symptoms.
The test procedure takes 40 minutes and you will be free to go home or go to work straight after the test. You do not need to be accompanied.
After the test
There should be no after effects of the test.
Results
Your results will be available one week after the test. Copies of the result will be sent to you and your GP, and will be placed in your hospital records.
To book your appointment, you can either:
- go to the Lady Sobell Gastrointestinal Unit (next to Ward 4), Wexham Park Hospital, between 9:30 am and 3.00 pm on weekdays and arrange the appointment directly
- ring on 0300 615 4157 between 9:30 am and 3.00 pm on weekdays to book the appointment
Allowing you to make your own appointment enables you to receive a convenient date for you.
Appointments are generally available on Wednesday to Friday between 8:10 and 8:40 am.
If we have not heard from you within 3 weeks, we will send an appointment to you in the post.
Are there any risks involved?
There are no risks involved.
Is there an alternative?
Blood and stool tests for antibodies to H.pylori are only suitable for testing if the patient has not received eradication treatment. Other tests involve the taking of biopsies at gastroscopy and are less accurate.
General information
The hospital operates a barrier controlled pay on foot system in its car parks. Details of parking charges can be found on our website:
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/027
Approval date:
3 March 2025
Review date:
1 March 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.