The 13C-urea breath test is a reliable method for the noninvasive detection of H. pylori infection in children. The test can be simplified and its accuracy improved using only the 0- and 20-minute breath samples and a cutoff of 3.5%O instead of the classical 5%O used in adults. The need for modification of the cutoff value may reflect the higher production of endogenous CO2 in children.

No abstract

The 13C-urea breath test is more reliable than serology for the detection of active H. pylori infection in children. Below 10 years of age serology is insufficiently sensitive for clinical purposes, whereas the 13C-urea breath test remains a reliable test.