need.
Depending on the instrument, the fasting time also varies. Generally, it takes at least 1 hour on an empty stomach, and some instruments require fasting for 4 hours. If you are not sure before going to the examination, try to meet these 2 fasting requirements.
The reason why it is recommended to do a breath test on an empty stomach is related to the principle of detection.
When Helicobacter pylori is detected by a breath test, oral administration of urea labeled with carbon-13 or carbon-14 isotopes is required.
Urea reacts in the stomach with urease produced by Helicobacter pylori and then produces carbon dioxide labeled carbon 13 and carbon 14.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the body and exhaled through the lungs, at this time to detect the exhaled carbon elements in the lungs, if there is carbon dioxide labeled with carbon 13 and carbon 14, it indicates that there is Helicobacter pylori infection in the body.
Image source: Figureworm Creative
Taking urea capsules on an empty stomach can react well with the urease produced by Helicobacter pylori and can more accurately reflect the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach.
If you check after eating, it is easy to cause urea to not fully react with urease due to food factors, which will affect the test results.
Wikipedian author
Lilac Doctor Health Encyclopedia team
Audit specialists
Geng Wei is the deputy chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology
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Curated by: Monkey Pigeon | Executive Producer: BruceLi
Cover image source: Lilac Doctor Content Team