Final answer:
The urea breath test is used to detect infections with Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa by identifying the presence of radioactive carbon dioxide in the patient's breath after they consume a specially labeled urea solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the urea breath test is to assess gastric mucosal infection with Helicobacter pylori. This is because H. pylori bacteria produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. During the test, a patient drinks a solution containing urea with radioactively labeled carbon atoms. If H. pylori is present in the stomach, the bacteria will metabolize the urea, and the resulting radioactive carbon dioxide can be detected in the patient's breath. This test is not for evaluating liver function, measuring blood glucose levels, or monitoring kidney function.