urea breath test

urea breath test A procedure for diagnosing the presence or absence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which causes ulcers. Abbreviated UBT. UBT may be used to demonstrate that H. pylori has been eliminated by treatment with antibiotics. UBT is based on the ability of H. pylori to break down urea, which is normally produced by the body in the presence of excess nitrogen and is then eliminated in the urine.