The Helikit test is a breath test to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium is responsible for chronic gastritis and gastric cancer.
Helicobacter pylori infection is responsible for chronic gastritis and promotes the development of peptic ulcers and gastric cancers. In France, 15 to 30% of the population would be infected. Direct diagnostic methods are carried out thanks to the stomach biopsy. Other ways to diagnose Helicobacter pylori bacteria include testing for bacterial antigens in the stool or testing for antibodies with a blood test. But we can also make a breath test, the Helikit test, to check for the presence of the bacteria before and after treatment. It’s what Helikit test? Where to do it? When is it indicated? How long does it take to get the result? Do you have to be with an empty stomach ? We take stock.
What is the Helikit test?
The Helikit test is a breath test allowing to diagnose or monitor the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. It comes in the form of a white powder for oral solution containing 75mg duration 13C in vial and 1.4g anhydrous citric acid in bag.
Where to do the Helikit test? In pharmacy?
The kit is only prescribed by a doctor, to be removed in pharmacy and to be carried out in a medical biology laboratory.
When to do the Helikit test?
The Helikit test is indicated in two situations:
► To find out if your stomach has an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
► To check if the bacteria has been eliminated after the treatment (10 to 20% of cases of failure). It can be carried out from one month after the end of treatment.
The test is based on the ability of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori convert urea into carbon dioxide. It consists of swallowing a marked urea solution and then collecting the exhaled air. If the exhaled air contains carbon dioxide, which is also marked, this means that the bacteria have transformed the urea into carbon dioxide and therefore that it is present. The breath test should be performed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. You must not have drunk, eaten or smoked since the night before. If treatment with a drug that reduces stomach acidity (proton pump inhibitor or PPI) is in progress, this should be discontinued at least two weeks before the test. The test will proceed as follows:
► You will need to drink half a citric acid solution. Its taste is similar to that of lemon juice.
► The air you exhale will be collected for 15 seconds in 2 identical tubes.
► The contents of a vial of 13C-labeled urea will dissolve in the remaining citric acid solution, which you will need to drink completely.
► You will then need to wait 30 minutes.
► The air you exhale will then be collected for 15 seconds in 2 new identical tubes, 30 minutes later.
How long does it take to get the result?
The result is obtained by 1 hour.
What is its price and is it reimbursed?
This drug is sold in pharmacies at the price of €30. He is reimbursed up to 65% by Social Security.
Do you have to be fasting?
The test must be performed on an empty stomach (no food, drink or tobacco for at least 12 hours).
Do I need a medical prescription?
The Helikit kit is listed on the list 1 medication, this means that it is necessary to have a medical prescription to obtain it.
What are the contraindications?
If you have, or are suspected of having, stomach infection (other than Helicobacter pylori) or inflammation of the stomach lining (atrophic gastritis) the test is contraindicated because this can cause erroneous positive results. Note that the breath test is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Certain treatments can disturb the results of the Helikit test:
- medicines that reduce acid production in the stomach (proton pump inhibitors)
- of the antibiotics
- of the drugs that affect the urease enzyme which stimulates the reduction of the amount of urea
Sources:
– HELIKIT 75 mg powder for oral solution, Public Drug Database
– HELIKIT (urea 13 C, anhydrous citric acid), High Authority for Health (HAS)