General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
After treatment for Helicobacter pylori, follow-up is needed to check that the bacterium has been eliminated. Feeling better does not replace this planned check. Ask the prescriber which follow-up test is being arranged.
The labelled-urea breath test looks for the bacterium in the stomach. It is performed in a laboratory with two samples of exhaled air taken thirty minutes apart. The laboratory explains practical appointment arrangements.
The check requires fasting and takes place at least four weeks after antibiotics end and at least two weeks after proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, end. Agree this timetable with the doctor rather than stopping any treatment yourself.
Bring medicine names and the dates on which you actually finished them. If you recently took antibiotics or a PPI, tell the prescriber and laboratory so they can check timing before the test; do not assume the appointment is still suitable.
A blood antibody test is unsuitable for confirming eradication because antibodies may persist for months after treatment. If a follow-up test is positive, the doctor reassesses care; do not take leftover antibiotics on your own.
Before booking, confirm a date compatible with your treatments and the laboratory’s fasting instructions. Ask who will receive the result and with whom to review it. Keep the report so the check leads to an explained medical decision.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.