What is the order code for a urea breath test (UBT) for an adult patient with suspected H. pylori infection?

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UBT Order Code Information

The provided evidence does not contain specific laboratory order codes or CPT codes for the urea breath test (UBT). The literature focuses on clinical indications, test performance characteristics, and diagnostic protocols rather than administrative ordering information.

What the Evidence Does Provide

Test Selection Guidance

  • The 13C-urea breath test is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic method for H. pylori infection, with sensitivity of 94.7-97% and specificity of 95-95.7% 1.
  • The 13C isotope is non-radioactive and safe for all populations including children and pregnant women, unlike the 14C version which involves radiation exposure 1, 2.

Critical Pre-Test Requirements

  • Proton pump inhibitors must be discontinued for at least 7-14 days before testing to avoid false-negative results in up to 40% of cases 3, 4, 5.
  • Antibiotics and bismuth must be stopped for at least 4 weeks prior to testing 3, 4, 5.
  • H2 receptor antagonists can be substituted if acid suppression is needed during the washout period, as they do not interfere with test accuracy 4.

How to Order in Clinical Practice

Contact Your Laboratory

  • The specific order code varies by institution and laboratory system - you must contact your hospital laboratory or reference laboratory (such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) to obtain the exact order code used in your system.
  • Request the 13C-urea breath test specifically, as this is the standard non-radioactive version 2, 6.

Common CPT Code (for billing reference)

  • The CPT code for UBT is typically 83013 or 83014 (though this is for billing purposes and may differ from your institution's internal order code).

Alternative Testing Options

  • If UBT is unavailable, laboratory-based monoclonal stool antigen testing provides comparable accuracy with sensitivity and specificity of approximately 93% 4, 5.
  • Avoid rapid in-office serological tests, which have significantly lower accuracy (mean sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 87.6%) 1, 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Diagnostic Approach for H. pylori Infection After Negative Stool Antigen Test

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Diagnosis and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Guideline

Testing for Helicobacter pylori Infection

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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