The Urea Breath Test for the Noninvasive Detection of Helicobacter pylori

The concept of the urea breath test (UBT), as a method for H. pylori detection, is based on the ability of the H. pylori urease enzyme to break down an isotope-labelled urea solution ingested by the patient into carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia. This chapter summarizes the current use of the UBT and the utility of the "UBT and Treat" strategy compared to other strategies for the management of H. pylori infection. Different UBT methods are described as well as factors affecting the accuracy of the test.