When instructing a patient about preparation for a diagnostic test to detect Helicobacter pylori infection, which of the following guidelines is the most important for the Medical Assistant to emphasize?
The patient is advised to cease consumption of bismuth preparations the morning of the test.
The patient should stop taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) immediately before the test.
The patient should not take any antibiotics for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
The patient must not eat, drink, or take any medications at least 1 hour before the test.