HTA Details
Carbon-13 Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Patients With Uninvestigated Ulcer-Like Dyspepsia
- Publication date
-
2013-October-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Digestive System
- Recommendation
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Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations:
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that serology remain the first-line diagnostic test for Helicobacter pylori in adults with dyspepsia who do not present with alarm features, for whom endoscopy is not indicated.
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends coverage for the carbon-13 urea breath test in patients who have been treated successfully for a previous episode of Helicobacter pylori infection and now have recurrent symptoms that could be due to reinfection.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care endorses this recommendation.
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To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Dyspepsia is a condition that causes long-term stomach pain or discomfort. Symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, nausea, or slow digestion. Dyspepsia can be caused by common bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria also cause ulcers and stomach cancer.
The carbon-13 urea breath test detects Helicobacter pylori using a breath sample, rather than a blood test (serology). This review looked at whether the test is as accurate as a blood test in people who have ulcer-like symptoms.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
