helicobacter pylori

Testing procedure

Helicobacter pylori is bacterium responsible for some diseases of the upper digestive tract, such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis and lymphoma. This bacterium is also considered one of the factors determining the development of gastric cancer. Lymphoma and cancer are relatively rare but complications from reflux and gastric ulcer happen more often.

Non-invasive tests include:

Urea breath test (UBT): recommended non-invasive test of choice, where available

Faecal antigen testing: less sensitive than UBT but with high specificity. Can be performed if UBT not available.

H. pylori serology: less sensitive and specific. Perform only if UBT or faecal antigen testing is unavailable.

For patients over 45 years or with alarm symptoms, endoscopy is recommended.

PPIs should be avoided two weeks before any testing is performed as they may increase the risk of a false negative result.

Antimicrobials should also be avoided for four weeks before testing.

You received referral for Stool Antigen Testing

The stool Antigen test is a non invasive test that requires the person to take a stool sample and drop the sample to the Hospital laboratory for testing.

Carrying out of the test requires minimum preparation, a stool sample pot, a plastic teaspoon or spatula and a laboratory stool specimen form completed by the referring Doctor.

PREPARATION FOR THE TEST

You cannot take the following drugs for 2 WEEKS before the test:-

• Proton Pump Inhibitors, ie Losec Protium Nexium Zoton Lanzoprazole Esomeprazole Pantoprazole

• Commonly used H2 Blockers ie Zantac Tagamet

You cannot take antibiotics for 4 WEEKS before your test.

You can take neutralizing agents, e.g. GAVISCON, MAALOX as required

TAKING THE STOOL SAMPLE

Ideally you take the stool sample from the first bowel motion of the day using the sample pot given.

Place the sample in the plastic bag attached to the laboratory form and seal.

Hand the specimen to into the laboratory of your local hospital (in Louth/Meath OLOL Hospital Drogheda) for testing.

We will receive the results from the laboratory within 2 weeks of the laboratory receiving the sample.