How does a Patient Prepare for the Urea Breath Test?

For Optimal Preparation

FAST for at least one (1) hour before the test. This means that you consume no food and drink only water prior to the test.

Phenylketonuric patients should not take the test. Active ingredient is mixed with Aspartame and contains phenylalanine.
Patients should not take proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex) within two (2) weeks prior to the urea breath test.
Patients should not take antibiotics two (2) weeks prior to the urea breath test.
Patients should not take bismuth preparations (Pepto Bismol) within two (2) weeks prior to the urea breath test.
Patients should not be tested before four (4) weeks after H. pylori treatment. An earlier post-treatment assessment may give false negative results.

Prior to testing, the patient may take H2 antagonists (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid) or Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox)

Not properly and firmly re-capping the breath collection bag after use.
Administration of Pranactin-Citric solution before collecting the baseline breath sample.
Consumption by the patient of food, beverage or smoking during the 15-minute test interval.