What is the purpose of the urea breath test (UBT) in diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders?

The urea breath test (UBT) is specifically designed to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which is a significant contributing factor to various gastrointestinal disorders, particularly peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. During the test, the patient ingests a urea solution labeled with a specific carbon isotope. If H. pylori is present in the stomach, the bacteria metabolize the urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The metabolized carbon dioxide then enters the bloodstream and is exhaled, allowing for the detection of the labeled carbon in the breath. This non-invasive testing method is favored for its accuracy and ability to provide rapid results.

The other options do not align with the specific purpose of the urea breath test. The UBT is not used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, assess liver function, or measure bile acid levels, which are evaluated through different diagnostic methods and tests. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the UBT's role in identifying H. pylori infection, which is crucial for proper management and treatment of related gastrointestinal conditions.