H. pylori (Stool Antigen)
Also known as: H. pylori stool antigen, Helicobacter pylori test, H pylori test, maide ka infection test
Detects Helicobacter pylori, a stomach bacterium that can cause gastritis and stomach ulcers. The stool antigen test and urea breath test show current infection.
Why it's ordered
Persistent indigestion or upper stomach pain, stomach or duodenal ulcers, and checking that the infection has gone after treatment.
Preparation
Stop acid-reducing tablets such as omeprazole for 2 weeks, and antibiotics or bismuth for 4 weeks, before the stool or breath test, if your doctor agrees. Otherwise the result can be falsely negative.
Typical adult values
| Normal | Negative (not detected) |
|---|
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's positive / reactive
A positive stool antigen or breath test means current infection. Treatment is a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicine for usually 14 days, prescribed by a doctor. A test of cure is done at least 4 weeks after finishing treatment.
Good to know
The blood antibody test is less useful: it stays positive for months or years after the infection has gone, so it cannot show whether treatment worked. H. pylori is very common in Pakistan, and many infected people have no symptoms.
Common questions
Do I need to stop medicines before an H. pylori test?
Yes, if your doctor agrees: stop acid-reducing tablets such as omeprazole for 2 weeks, and antibiotics or bismuth for 4 weeks, before the stool or breath test.
Is the H. pylori blood test reliable?
It is less useful. It stays positive for months or years after the infection has gone, so it cannot show whether treatment worked.
How do I know if treatment worked?
A test of cure (stool antigen or breath test) is done at least 4 weeks after finishing treatment.
What is a normal H. pylori result?
Normal is negative (not detected).