The Helicobacter pylori breath test can now be used in patients who have taken proton pump inhibitors within the previous 2 weeks, according to the manufacturer, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.
In a June 4 statement, the company said that the labeling of the BreathTek UBT for H. pylori kit has been updated to include this information, which is based on studies that evaluated the effects of PPI use in people taking the test. However, in this scenario, "the test result needs to be interpreted with caution," and the recommendation that patients not take antimicrobials, PPIs, and bismuth preparations within 2 weeks of the test still stands, the statement adds.
The label change makes it possible to test patients on a PPI for an initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection without stopping the PPI, providing "an opportunity of earlier detection and start of eradication therapy for H. pylori infection," according to Otsuka. Ingestion of PPIs within 2 weeks of the test can cause a false negative result, and the test should be repeated 2 weeks after the PPI therapy is stopped, if a patient has a negative test while taking a PPI, according to the warnings and precautions for the product.
Ingestion of bismuth preparations or antimicrobials can also cause a false negative result, if taken within 2 weeks of the test.