Test for Helicobacter Pylori
Research shows that in the majority of cases Helicobacter pylori is the bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers, gastritis and virtually all abdominal ulcers, apart from drug-induced forms. It survives the acidic environment of the stomach and infection can lead to pain and inflammation, which over time can significantly increase the risk of gastric cancer.
It is recommended that such infections be treated with a combination of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics to eradicate these bacteria. When H. pylori is eradicated, ulcers heal and don’t reoccur.
It would be wise to consider testing all immediate family members if one member does have H.pylori as it can be found in people who do not have symptoms of stomach ulcers or gastritis. High stress, caffeine, alcohol, aspirin or NSAID intake may increase the incidence of infection.
Symptoms associated with a Helicobacter infection
- Indigestion type pain that occurs 2-3 hours after eating or in the night and is relieved by taking antacids
- Chronic gastritis
- Indigestion
- Heart burn
- Burping
- Coronary heart disease
- Duodenal and gastric ulcers
- Excess acidity or dyspepsia
- Acid reflux
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Upper intestinal bloating
- Family history of gastric cancer
What is being measured
Conventional diagnosis of H.pylori is usually made by an antibody blood test. This will reveal whether the patient has been exposed to H.pylori but does not identify a current, active infection, and is of no value in confirming successful eradication, as the antibodies persist long after successful eradication.
It is possible to have a simple stool or breath test to determine active infection, this can help determine the presence of Helicobacter Pylori or it can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment – making sure the Helicobacter has been eradicated.
The stool test look for the presence of Helicobacter Pylori Specific Antigen
The breath test looks for levels of 13C Urea
Specimen requirements
1 stool sample or
2 breath samples taken at 30 minute intervals following a 4 hour fast
Before taking the test
If checking to see if treatment was successful allow a minimum of 2 weeks if completing the stool test and 3 days if competing the breath test
Stool test
Avoid all nutritional supplements and non steroidal anti inflammatory medication 48 hours prior to completing the test. Proton pump inhibitors are ok and do not affect the results.
Do not stop any prescription medication without the supervision of your doctor
See instructions inside test kit for details
Breath test
Proton pump inhibitors may affect the test results.
Do not stop any prescription medication without the supervision of your doctor
See instructions inside test kit for details
Turnaround time
18 days
Cost
Stool
Breath
Ordering Options
It is possible to order this test on its own or to add it to a comprehensive stool test such as the CDSA or CDSA2
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