There are various methods to test for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Common tests involve analyzing breath or stool samples. In some cases, a sample of tissue is taken from the stomach for testing.
Other names for these tests include H. pylori stool antigen test, H. pylori breath test, urea breath test, rapid urease test (RUT) for H. pylori, and H. pylori culture. Read on!
What are Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) tests?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that often infects the stomach lining and the beginning of the small intestine. Most people with H. pylori don't have any symptoms, but it can lead to digestive issues for some.
Source: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that can infect and live in the stomach
- pylori is a major cause of peptic ulcers, which are sores in the stomach and upper small intestine. It can also trigger gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. If left untreated, H. pylori-related gastritis can persist and raise the risk of stomach cancer.
It's not fully understood how H. pylori spreads, but it can pass from person to person through contact with vomit, stool, or saliva of an infected individual. It may also spread through contaminated food and water.
Anyone exposed to H. pylori can develop an infection, but it's more common in children. Testing for H. pylori helps diagnose conditions like gastritis and ongoing indigestion. If H. pylori is present, treatment can eradicate the bacteria and allow the stomach lining to heal.
What are they used for?
- pylori tests serve several purposes:
- To determine if an H. pylori infection is the underlying cause of digestive symptoms.
- To assess the effectiveness of treatment in eradicating an H. pylori infection.
Since digestive symptoms can stem from various causes, healthcare providers often order tests for other digestive disorders alongside H. pylori tests.
Why is an Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) test necessary?
You may need an H. pylori test if you experience symptoms of gastritis or an ulcer, conditions frequently associated with H. pylori bacteria.
These symptoms may include:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Early satiety during meals
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burping or belching
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Gastritis can progress to an ulcer, a more severe condition. If you experience complications of an ulcer, such as signs of stomach bleeding or severe abdominal pain, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention.
If you've undergone treatment for an H. pylori infection, further testing may be necessary to confirm if the treatment successfully eliminated the bacteria. If H. pylori persists in your body, it can lead to recurring symptoms.
Symptoms of stomach bleeding may include:
- Black or tarry stool
- Red blood in vomit or vomit resembling coffee grounds
- Sudden, intense, or persistent abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat or signs of shock
- Changes or worsening of symptoms if you have a known ulcer
If you've undergone treatment for an H. pylori infection, further testing may be necessary to confirm its effectiveness. Failure to completely eliminate H. pylori can result in recurring symptoms.
Source: If you have any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical care
What Happens During Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Testing?
- pylori testing involves various methods, and your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
1. Breath Test (Urea Breath Test)
- You'll start by breathing into a container to collect a sample of your breath.
- Then, you'll swallow a pill or liquid containing urea, a waste product found in blood. This urea has special carbon atoms.
- If H. pylori is present in your stomach, it will convert the urea into carbon dioxide that contains these special carbon atoms.
- After a few minutes, you'll provide another breath sample.
The two breath samples will be compared. If you have H. pylori:
- The second breath sample will show the presence of the special carbon atoms from the urea.
- The second breath sample will contain more carbon dioxide than the first.
2. Stool tests
Stool tests are used to check for H. pylori in different ways:
- Antigen tests: This common method looks for proteins called antigens that come from H. pylori in your stool sample.
- PCR tests: These tests search for genetic material from H. pylori in your stool.
Your healthcare provider will likely provide you with a container or kit along with instructions for collecting a stool sample.
It's essential to follow these instructions carefully. Here's what you generally need to do:
- Label the container with your name, date, and time of collection.
- Collect the stool sample as instructed. This may involve using a clean container, special paper, or plastic wrap placed over the toilet seat.
- Ensure that the stool doesn't mix with urine, toilet paper, or toilet water.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Return the container according to the provided instructions.
If you're collecting a sample from diapers, you'll receive specific instructions, such as using plastic wrap inside a clean diaper. In some cases, a healthcare provider may use a swab to collect a stool sample from the rectum.
3. Endoscopy
If other tests fail to provide sufficient information for a diagnosis, your healthcare provider may suggest an endoscopy.
Here's what typically occurs during the procedure:
- Preparation: You'll be positioned on an exam table.
- Medication: You'll be given medication to help you relax, and your throat will be numbed to minimize any discomfort.
- Insertion of the Endoscope: Your provider will gently guide a thin tube, known as an endoscope, through your mouth and into your stomach. Equipped with a light and camera, this tube enables your provider to examine the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and part of your small intestine.
- Biopsy: Your provider might extract small tissue samples, called biopsies, during the procedure. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, which may include testing for H. pylori and other potential causes of your symptoms.
- Recovery: Following the procedure, you'll rest for an hour or two until the effects of the medication wear off.
In Summary
Blood tests for Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) detect specific proteins (antibodies) produced by your immune system to combat H. pylori bacteria. However, these tests are not widely used for diagnosing H. pylori because they cannot distinguish between antibodies produced during an active infection and those from a previous infection that your immune system has already eliminated.
However, if an H. pylori blood test indicates the absence of H. pylori antibodies, it generally suggests that you did not have an H. pylori infection at the time the blood sample was taken.
