Answer to Question #10682 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues — Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

I'm confused about the radiation in a standard breath test for H. pylori (urea breath test). Could you tell me the radiation dose I received from this, and maybe put it into context compared to, say, a chest x ray?
 
I've had several of these tests and want to make sure I'm okay.

A

The standard 14C breath test for H. pylori is a very low dose procedure. The effective dose from it is between approximately 0.001 mSv and 0.003 mSv depending on the test results (the higher dose is for H. pylori positive result). A two-view chest x-ray exam results in an effective dose of approximately 0.06 mSv. In other words, it would take 20 breath tests (or more depending on the result) to be the same as a chest x ray.  
 
Kent Lambert, CHP

Ask the Experts is posting answers using only SI (the International System of Units) in accordance with international practice. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a conversion table. You can also view a diagram to help put the radiation information presented in this question and answer in perspective. Explanations of radiation terms can be found here.
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