Diagnosis of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in Children: Is the ¹⁵ N Urine Test More Reliable Than the ¹³ C Breath Test?

Abstract

Owing to their identical biochemical basis the breath test and the urine test produce the same diagnostic results in the same individuals if standardized pre-test and test conditions are followed. However, factors such as physical activity during the test may provoke fluctuations with a tendency to decreasing 13C values. This could be due to additional isotope dilution by increases in the endogenous production of 12C-carbon dioxide. We conclude that in very active children the 15N urine test might be advantageous and more reliable than the 13C breath test.