Helicobacter pylori TestsTest Overview
Helicobacter pylori tests are used to detect
a
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). H. pylori can cause
peptic ulcers; however, most people with
H. pylori in their digestive systems do not develop
ulcers. Four tests are used to detect H. pylori: - Blood antibody test. A blood test checks to see
whether your body has made
antibodies to H. pylori
bacteria. If you have antibodies to H. pylori in your
blood, it means you either are currently infected or have been infected in the
past.
- Urea breath test. A urea breath test checks to see
if you have H. pylori bacteria in your stomach. The
breath test is not always available.
- Stool antigen test. A stool antigen test checks
to see if substances that trigger the
immune system to fight an H. pylori infection (H. pylori antigens) are present in your feces (stool). Stool
antigen testing may be done to help support a diagnosis of H. pylori infection or to determine whether treatment for an
H. pylori infection has been successful.
- Stomach biopsy. A small sample (biopsy) is taken from the lining of your stomach and
small intestine during an
endoscopy. Several different tests may be done on the
biopsy sample. For more information, see the medical test
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
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