Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that can infect the stomach or duodenum. Untreated, H. pylori bacteria can cause gastritis and duodenal or gastric ulcers. A test involving breathing into a balloon-like bag is a safe and easy way to find H. pylori infection.

The 13c urea breath test is a rapid diagnostic procedure used to identify infections by Helicobacter pylori, a spiral bacterium implicated in gastritis, gastric ulcer, and peptic ulcer disease. It is based upon the ability of H. pylori to convert urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Urea breath tests are recommended in leading society guidelines as a preferred non-invasive choice for detecting H. pylori before and after treatment.