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H. pylori Test


Why is this procedure done?


A germ called Helicobacter pylori is often found in the lining of your stomach and bowels. This germ is also called H. pylori. It may be the cause of peptic ulcers or wounds in the stomach. It can also hurt the protective lining and let stomach acid get through the lining. The acid is so strong that it may cause a hole in the lining of the GI tract. Many people with H. pylori may not have ulcers or signs of ulcers. The germ can be easily passed from one person to another. ‚  
There are a few different tests to find out if you have H. pylori bacteria in your body. These will help the doctor decide if other treatments are needed. ‚  
These tests are given in order to get the best results. Most often testing is in this order: ‚  
  • Urea breath test ¢ ˆ ’ You will drink a special liquid and then do a breath test to check for H. pylori.
  • Stool antigen test ¢ ˆ ’ Tests if there are substances that fight H. pylori in a stool sample
  • Blood antibody test ¢ ˆ ’ Tests for substances that fight H. pylori in a blood sample
  • Biopsy test ¢ ˆ ’ A tissue sample is taken from your stomach to look for the presence of the bacteria.


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What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
  • If the results are negative or normal, it means you likely are not infected with the bacteria.
  • If the results are positive or not normal, you may have been infected with the bacteria. It is possible that this infection is causing you to have stomach pain or an ulcer in your stomach or intestine.
  • Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about a diagnosis.
  • The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
  • For each one of these tests, your doctor may ask you to stop taking some drugs for up to 4 weeks before the test. Check with your doctor about which drugs you should continue taking.

What happens during the procedure?


  • In a breath test, the staff will give you a liquid to drink. After 10 minutes, you will be asked to breathe into a special tool. This tool will record the presence of carbon dioxide in your breath. The doctor will look at the results from the test.
  • In a stool test, the staff will give you a container to put a stool sample in. Provide a small amount of stool in the container. The stool sample will be sent to the lab for testing.
  • In a blood test, you will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
  • In a biopsy, you will go to the procedure room. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure.
    • The staff will help you lie on your left side. Your doctor will spray a drug in your throat to numb the area.
    • The staff may put a small tube in your nose to help you breathe. They may place a tool in your mouth to keep it open during the procedure.
    • The doctor will put the tube in your mouth and down your stomach. Your doctor will ask you to swallow to help the scope pass through your throat.
    • When the scope is in position, your doctor will look to see if there are problems in your stomach and the tube that leads to the stomach.
    • The doctor will slide small surgical tools through the tube to take tissue sample for testing.
    • This procedure takes about 1 hour.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may go home and return to your normal activities, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
  • If you had a biopsy, you may need to stay in the hospital or clinic for few hours. Some activities may not be allowed to prevent bleeding. You will be given drugs to relieve pain and prevent infection.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • If you had a biopsy, talk to your doctor about when you can return to your normal activities.
  • Ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem that needs treated. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Infection

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Very bad belly pain
  • Throwing up blood
  • Bloody stools
  • Dizziness
  • Throwing up
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abnormal bowel movement

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/h-pylori/tab/sample ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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