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Breath test in Perth

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 10:28 am
by Sam
Hi I live in Perth and would like to get a breath test. I would like to know where I can go for the breath test?
Thanks Sam

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 9:55 pm
by barjammar
All Perth labs do the urea breath test. Any GP can order it for you. Results usually come back in 3 days.

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:48 pm
by fruitlover
Yes, Perth Labs would help. They provide a wide array of tests and services related to breath. You may want to try other laboratories but call them first for schedule.

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:02 pm
by tysonlee
Hi I live in Perth and would like to get a breath test. I would like to know where I can go for the breath test?

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:10 pm
by Helico_expert
any gp will be able to order a breath test for you.

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 3:48 pm
by ANJUL
My experience has been that it is virtually impossible to get the C13 urea breath test in Perth. C14 yes, C13 no.

I was diagnosed with HP via a blood test ordered by my GP after reporting a bout of vomiting (unusual for me, last one 30 years ago!). GP told me I needed a blood test to determine if I had HP (I wasn’t told what that was) If yes, I would take a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria, then if necessary, a carbon urea breath test. After investigation, I found there are two breath tests - c13 and c14. The c13 urea is a stable (non-radioactive) isotope, the c14 is radioactive (although, I was told, in minute quantity). Both require overnight fasting before the breath test is carried out, although even for this I got conflicting information by labs - one said I had to fast overnight, another for 4-6 hours whatever the time. One said I could drink water, the other said no water. I am confused.

But the best confusion came when I asked for the non-radioactive C13. I explained my reasons for not wanting radioactivity (previous cancer with radiation therapy) but was told that c13 is not available in WA due to cost (see below). One contact suggested I see a gastroenterologist, another to find a private lab. Some labs were not even aware there was another test available.

Re cost, I checked with Medicare Perth who advises both C13 and C14 (item no. 12533) cost the same - scheduled fee $84.65 of which Medicare pays 85%. My question is can we have the C13 in Perth and if yes, where?

Re: Breath test in Perth

Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 9:30 am
by Helico_expert
It is a bit rare for C13 breath test in Australia. However it is not impossible. You just need to find really hard in google for a supplier of C13 then ask them which GP or lab they supply to.