13C urea

**13C urea** is a diagnostic agent consisting of the stable, non-radioactive isotope carbon-13 incorporated into a urea molecule. It is primarily used in the Urea Breath Test (UBT) for the detection and post-treatment monitoring of *Helicobacter pylori* infection in adults. The test exploits the ability of H. pylori's urease enzyme to hydrolyze ingested 13C-labeled urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2). If H. pylori is present, this reaction produces labeled 13CO2, which is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled in breath; its presence can be measured to confirm infection status. The test is non-invasive, rapid, and preferred over radioactive alternatives (such as 14C-labeled tests), especially for children and pregnant women[1][5][6][7].

Brand names

Helicobacter Test InfaiPylobactellPranactin-CitricIDkit HP One

Other names

13C-enriched ureaCarbon 13-labeled ureaCarbon13-labeled ureaCarbon-13-labeled urea