Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Detection Test

The Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Detection Test, commonly referred to as the H. pylori stool antigen test, is used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori is a bacterium that can cause infections in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, leading to ulcers and, in some cases, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. The antigen detection test is both used for diagnosing an active H. pylori infection and for confirming that the infection has been successfully eradicated following treatment.

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• Test Name Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Detection Test
• Sample Type Stool
• Preparations Required Patients should not be on proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics for at least 2 weeks before the test.
• Report Time 6 hours

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Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and has adapted to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. It’s known to play a significant role in the development of various gastrointestinal diseases including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and is a risk factor for stomach cancer.

The test detects the presence of H. pylori antigens in a stool sample. Antigens are proteins present on the surface of the bacteria. When H. pylori infects the stomach and small intestine, these antigens are shed into the stool. The test involves taking a small sample of stool and analyzing it for the presence of H. pylori antigens.

• Prior to the test, patients are often advised to stop taking certain medications that can affect the test results, such as antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors.
• The patient is given a collection kit for collecting a stool sample.
• The patient collects a small sample of stool using the tools provided in the collection kit.
• The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• The laboratory uses specialized chemicals and techniques to detect the presence of H. pylori antigens in the stool sample.
  • Positive Result: Indicates the presence of H. pylori antigens in the stool, suggesting an active H. pylori infection.
  • Negative Result: Indicates that H. pylori antigens were not detected, suggesting the absence of an active infection.

• Non-invasive: As the test requires a stool sample, it’s considered non-invasive compared to other methods such as endoscopy.
• Accuracy: The test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting H. pylori infections.
• Monitoring treatment: It can be used to confirm that H. pylori has been eradicated following treatment.
• Medications: The accuracy of the test can be affected by certain medications, and patients may need to discontinue them prior to testing.
• Not suitable for strain determination: The test cannot determine antibiotic resistance or different strains of H. pylori.