What is Helicobacter pylori / H. pylori
H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and often attacks the stomach lining. H. pylori infections are usually harmless, but most ulcers in the stomach and small intestine are caused by H. pylori. A stool test for H. pylori detects H. pylori antigen in a stool sample and can confirm a current infection.
Why test Helicobacter pylori / H. pylori?
Testing is used to diagnose an infection due to the bacteria and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment given. H. Pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of developing ulcers (peptic ulcer disease), chronic gastritis, and gastric (stomach) cancer.
Testing for H. pylori is crucial due to its association with gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like abdominal pain, black stools, unexplained weight loss, indigestion, fullness, bloating, nausea, and belching. If diagnosed, confirming the effectiveness of treatment is essential to ensure the infection has been eradicated. Additionally, testing is important if someone that you are in close contact with has tested positive, as H. pylori can be transmitted through saliva and faeces, necessitating early detection and intervention to prevent further spread.
What do the results mean?
Negative
A negative test means that you do not have H. pylori antigen in your stool.
If a person does not have H. pylori antigen in the stool, this means that a current H. pylori infection is unlikely but cannot rule out previous infection.
Positive
A positive test means that you have H. pylori antigen in your stool, which suggests a current infection.
More information
We offer this test because in our experience people whose symptoms have gone undiagnosed after visiting a doctor have received help after doing their own testing. This test should never replace the care of your own doctor, particularly if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Preparations for this test
No advance preparation is required for this test.
On the day of the test
Remember to take ID with you when going to take a test.