© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The urea breath test, C-14 (isotopic), is a noninvasive laboratory procedure designed to detect the presence of the isotope 14CO2 in exhaled breath. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing infections caused by the gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is known to be a contributing factor in chronic gastritis, as well as duodenal and peptic ulcers. Furthermore, H. pylori infection has been linked to more serious conditions such as gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma. The mechanism of the test relies on the urease enzyme produced by H. pylori, which interacts with a radiolabeled isotope tracer, C-14. When urease acts on the tracer, it breaks down into 14CO2 and ammonia (NH4). The 14CO2 is then absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently exhaled through the lungs. To ensure accurate results, specific preparatory steps must be followed by the patient, including the cessation of proton pump inhibitors 14 days prior to the test, avoiding H2 blockers or antacids for 24 hours before the test, and fasting for at least 6 hours. The procedure involves collecting breath samples before and after the ingestion of a C-14 capsule, with the analysis performed using a liquid scintillation counter. The physician is responsible for interpreting the results and providing a comprehensive report, which includes consideration of any factors that may affect the test outcomes.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The urea breath test, C-14 (isotopic), is indicated for the following conditions:
The urea breath test involves several key procedural steps to ensure accurate results. First, the patient must prepare for the test by discontinuing proton pump inhibitors 14 days prior, avoiding H2 blockers or antacids for 24 hours, and fasting for a minimum of 6 hours. Initially, a control breath sample is collected to establish a baseline. The patient is instructed to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds before exhaling into a collection balloon or scintillation vial. Following this, the patient swallows a capsule containing the C-14 isotope with water. After a waiting period of 10-15 minutes, the patient again holds their breath for 5-10 seconds and exhales into another collection balloon or scintillation vial. The breath samples collected are then analyzed using a liquid scintillation counter to measure the levels of 14CO2. The physician reviews the patient data to identify any factors that could potentially interfere with the test results, such as previous gastric surgeries, achlorhydria, rapid gastric emptying, recent antibiotic use, or proton pump inhibitor therapy. Finally, the physician interprets the results of the urea breath test and compiles a written report detailing the findings.
After the urea breath test, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned. However, it is essential for the physician to review the results and consider any factors that may have influenced the test outcomes. The patient may resume normal activities immediately following the test. The physician will provide a written report of the findings, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the results of the test.
| Short Descr | BREATH TEST ANALYSIS C-14 | Medium Descr | UREA BREATH TEST C-14 ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS | Long Descr | Urea breath test, C-14 (isotopic); analysis | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |