Abstract: The ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT) is one of the most important non-invasive methods for detecting Helicobacte pylori infection. This examination is innocuous, simple, highly accutate. While the major drawback of ¹³C-UBT is the higher cost compared with other methods which hold back its widely using. This review focuses on the most recent advances in the machines used to measure the ¹³C isotope and on the most important improvements about the UBT, such as the use of lower dose ¹³C-urea tablet or capsule, the modification of test meal, a shortened collection time of exhalation sample and so on.