H. pylori Antigen (Stool)
Definition
Detects Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection by different methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Stool antigen test | The most common type of test for H. pylori. Antigens are a type of protein |
| Breath test | Measures the change in carbon dioxide after urea containing a special carbon atom is swallowed |
| Blood antibody test | Looks for immune proteins produced against the bacterium |
| Biopsy | Examination of a tissue sample taken during endoscopy |
Purpose
To determine whether digestive complaints such as abdominal pain, bloating or nausea are due to H. pylori, and to confirm whether treatment has cleared the infection.
Results
- Negative, you probably do not have an H. pylori infection
- Positive, you have an H. pylori infection; antibiotic treatment is needed
Risks and Limitations
The choice of method matters:
Blood antibody tests cannot distinguish active infection from past infection. The test cannot show whether the antibodies come from an active H. pylori infection or from a past one.
For this reason, the stool antigen test or the breath test is superior to the blood test for showing active infection. AdaGen's menu includes the stool antigen test, which is the right choice.
Some medications need to be stopped before the test.