How to check Helicobacter pylori?

Some of you may not know much about Helicobacter pylori, a microaerophilic bacterium that can survive in the duodenum and other parts of the digestive system. It can cause serious gastrointestinal diseases, so everyone must pay attention to its existence and know how to check it.

1.C14 breath test:

Principle of C14 breath test:

Since C14 is very stable, it is often used as a marker. In the Helicobacter pylori C14 breath test, after the subject takes urea C14 capsules orally, if there is Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, the urease produced by it can quickly decompose urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. The carbon dioxide enters the lungs through the blood and is excreted from the body. The expelled 14CO2 gas (with markers) is collected and measured on the instrument to determine whether Helicobacter pylori is in the stomach.

2.C13 air blowing test

C13 breath test principle introduction:

Because HP bacteria contain urease, when they encounter swallowed 13C-urea in the stomach, they will break it down into 13CO2. 13CO2 is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, circulates through the blood, reaches the lungs, and is exhaled. As long as we collect the exhaled gas and measure the 13C-labeled 13CO2 in it, we can accurately prove whether there is HP infection.

Normal people do not have HP, 13C-urea does not decompose, 13C-urea is excreted through the urinary system, and there is no 13CO2 in the exhaled gas.

People infected with Helicobacter pylori have Helicobacter pylori in their bodies, which can decompose 13C-urea, so there is 13CO2 in the exhaled gas.