Frequently Asked Questions
Patient information
Your questions – our answers
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our services, diagnostic methods and treatments we offer. If you do not find the information you are looking for, you can always contact us for a personal consultation.
What is the address of the clinic?
The clinic’s address is Sofia, 165 Ovche Pole Street, ground floor, office 3.
How do I book an appointment for an examination?
You can book an appointment for an examination through the reservation system on the clinic’s website gastrodoc.bg and at superdoc.bg.
Do you work with referrals and NHIF?
I do not work with referrals and NHIF. The examinations are paid.
Are the prices announced for review?
Yes, the prices for the examination are announced on the clinic’s website gastrodoc.bg and superdoc.bg.
Do you work with insurers?
No, I do not work with insurers, but you may be issued an invoice to serve on your insurer.
Is there a POS terminal?
Yes, the clinic has a POS terminal and you can pay by card.
How many days after a primary examination can I have a secondary examination?
You can have a secondary examination within 30 days of the primary one.
Is the price of a secondary examination different from the price of a primary examination?
Yes, the price for a secondary examination is 50% lower than the price for a primary examination.
What should I observe before an examination at the clinic?
You should not have eaten or smoked for at least 4 hours before the examination.
Do you screen children?
No, I don’t examine children.
Do you use English?
Yes, if necessary, examinations can be conducted in English.
13C breath test
Find out all about Helicobacter pylori testing
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the 13C breath test – how it is performed, how long it takes, and why it is the most accurate and painless way to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection.
How do I book an appointment for a Helicobacter pylori breath test?
You can make an inquiry through the contact forms on the site or write a letter, after which you will be offered a date and time.
Is the 13C-Urea Breath Test accurate for Helicobacter pylori?
The 13C Urea Breath Test offered at the clinic is the most sensitive, most specific and most convenient (no need to provide stool or take blood) non-invasive test for the patient to detect Helicobacter pylori infection.
Is the 13C breath test suitable for confirming eradication (removal) of Helicobacter pylori infection?
Yes, the 13C breath test is the best non-invasive method not only for initial diagnosis but also for confirming Helicobacter pylori eradication.
Is the Helicobacter pylori breath test painful?
No, the Helicobacter pylori breath test is completely painless and harmless. The patient exhales air twice into special disposable bags before and after ingesting a harmless solution of citric acid and carbon-labeled C13 urea.
How long does the Helicobacter pylori breath test take?
The test lasts about 40-50 minutes, with 30 minutes of that being spent waiting between the two breaths. You get the result immediately.
What kind of carbon is used in the breath test offered at the clinic?
A non-radioactive and completely harmless isotope of carbon is used – C13.
Who can be tested with the 13C-Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori?
The breath test can be performed on both adults and children (over 3 years of age).
Can the 13C-Urea Breath Test be used in pregnant women?
Yes, the 13C-Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori offered at the clinic can be used in pregnant women.
Are there any requirements for the patient to undergo a 13C-Urea Breath Test for Helicobacter pylori?
You should not have used antibiotics or bismuth 4 weeks before the breath test. You should not have used proton pump inhibitors (Bioprazole, Acilesol, Nexium, Controloc, Lansoprazole and similar) two weeks before the breath test.
Does taking antacids interfere with the breath test?
No, antacids do not interfere and can be used before performing the Helicobacter pylori breath test.
What is the preparation before performing a 13C breath test for Helicobacter pylori?
After midnight, before performing the 13C breath test, you should not take anything by mouth, including water. You should not have smoked for at least 4 hours before the Helicobacter pylori breath test.
Does testing and removing Helicobacter pylori protect against the development of stomach cancer?
Yes, testing and eventual removal of Helicobacter pylori protects against stomach cancer, because Helicobacter pylori is the main risk factor for stomach cancer.
Is the frequency of Helicobacter pylori high in Bulgaria?
Yes, the incidence of Helicobacter pylori in Bulgaria is high.
Should people who live with me be tested for Helicobacter pylori if I am infected with Helicobacter pylori?
Yes. If you are infected with Helicobacter pylori, adults (≥ 18 years of age) with whom you live should be tested for Helicobacter pylori.
Do I have to have complaints if I am infected with Helicobacter pylori?
No, you don’t necessarily have any symptoms if you are infected with Helicobacter pylori. That’s why Helicobacter pylori is often called the “silent killer.”
Other tests in the clinic
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy – everything you need to know
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about gastroscopy and colonoscopy – how they are performed, how to prepare, and why these examinations are key for the early diagnosis and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.
Are gastroscopy and colonoscopy painful?
In the clinic, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed with intravenous anesthesia by an anesthesiologist, and no pain is felt.
When can I drink water after gastro- and/or colonoscopy?
You can usually drink water 1 hour after gastro- and/or colonoscopy.
When can I eat after gastro- and/or colonoscopy?
You can usually eat 2 hours after gastro- and/or colonoscopy.
When should I have the blood tests scheduled during the examination?
Typically, blood tests should be done on an empty stomach in the morning until 10:00 AM.