Helicobacter Pylori Ag, Eia, Stool

The Helicobacter Pylori Ag, Eia, Stool test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Helicobacter Pylori Ag Eia Stool test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antigens in a patient's stool sample. H. pylori is a bacteria that can infect the stomach lining and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders.

Also Known As: H. Pylori Antigen Test, Stool Antigen Test

Collection Method: Patient Self Collection Kit provided by Patient Service Center

Specimen Type: Stool (Feces)

Test Preparation: Patient Self Collection Required – Instructions Below

1. Patient to visit a Quest Patient Service Center to obtain the designated sterile collection container required for the test.
2. Patient self-collects stool sample off site from PSC.
3. Patient self-collects 0.5 mL or 0.5 grams of semi-solid stool or 20 mm diameter solid stool and transfer to properly labeled plastic, leak-proof container.
4. Label the specimen collection container: a. Record the date and time on the specimen collection. b. Record the patient’s full name as on requisition and DOB.
5. IMPORTANT: Watery, diarrheal stool is not acceptable.
6. IMPORTANT: The stool sample must be refrigerated immediately after collection.
7. The stool specimen must be packed with cold packs and returned to the Quest Patient Service Center with the Patient Requisition within 24 hours of collection.

Patient Preparation

For initial diagnostic purposes no special patient preparation is required. Patients are not required to be off of medications or to fast before this test. While positive test results from patients taking agents such as proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobials should be considered accurate, false negative results may be obtained. For this reason, physicians may suggest the patient go off medications for two weeks and repeat test if negative results are obtained.

To confirm eradication, testing should be done at least 4 weeks following the completion of treatment. However, a positive test result 7 days’ post therapy is indicative of treatment failure.

When is a Helicobacter Pylori test ordered:

When someone complains of stomach pain and exhibits ulcer-related symptoms, testing may be required.

When an individual has finished taking the recommended course of antibiotics, H. pylori tests may also be requested to ensure that the H. pylori bacteria have been eradicated. However, not every patient has a follow-up examination.

What does a Helicobacter Pylori stool test check for?

An organism known as Helicobacter pylori is a major contributor to the development of peptic ulcer disease. Testing for H. pylori identifies a gastrointestinal infection brought on by the bacteria.

H. pylori is quite widespread, particularly in underdeveloped nations. As much as 50% of people on the planet have the bacteria in their stomachs and intestines. The majority of persons affected by H. pylori will never have any symptoms, although it does raise the risk of stomach cancer, chronic gastritis, and ulcers. Due to the bacteria, the stomach is less able to generate mucus, which increases the risk of acid damage and peptic ulcers.

It is not advised to perform an antibody test on blood samples for routine diagnosis or to assess the efficacy of treatment. This test does not differentiate between a current illness and a former infection; it only finds antibodies to the bacterium. It is improbable that a person has ever had an infection with H. pylori if the antibody test is negative. A stool antigen or breath test should be used to validate results if they are ordered and positive.

Lab tests often ordered with a Helicobacter Pylori test:

When an H. pylori Antigen Stool test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including red and white blood cells, and platelets.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To check for signs of anemia, which can be a complication of bleeding ulcers, or for elevated white blood cells, indicating infection.

2. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To rule out liver conditions that can sometimes present with similar symptoms to those caused by H. pylori.

3. Stool Occult Blood Test:

   • Purpose: To detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To check for bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can occur with H. pylori-induced ulcers.

4. Urea Breath Test:

   • Purpose: To detect the presence of H. pylori by measuring carbon dioxide in the breath after ingesting a urea solution.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Often used as a non-invasive test to diagnose H. pylori infection and to confirm eradication after treatment.

5. Serum Gastrin Level:

   • Purpose: To measure the level of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates stomach acid production.
   • Why Is It Ordered: In some cases, H. pylori infection can cause increased gastrin levels and lead to conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

6. C-Reactive Protein (CRP):

   • Purpose: To detect inflammation.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for systemic inflammation, which might be elevated in severe H. pylori infections.

7. Vitamin B12 Level:

   • Purpose: To measure the level of vitamin B12 in the blood.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Chronic H. pylori infection can lead to vitamin B12 malabsorption and subsequent deficiency.

These tests, when ordered alongside an H. pylori Antigen Stool test, provide a comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal health and help diagnose the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, ulcers, and gastritis. They are crucial for diagnosing H. pylori infection, assessing its impact on the gastrointestinal system, and guiding treatment strategies. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual's symptoms, clinical presentation, and the results of initial screenings.

Conditions where a Helicobacter Pylori test is recommended:

• Gastritis: H. pylori is a common cause of chronic gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining.

• Peptic Ulcers: This bacterial infection is a major contributor to peptic ulcers, which are open sores that can form on the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

• Stomach Cancer: Long-term H. pylori infection can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

How does my health care provider use a Helicobacter Pylori test?

Testing for Helicobacter pylori is used to identify bacterial infections and assess how well a treatment is working. A H. pylori infection is linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer, chronic gastritis, and ulcers.

For the diagnosis of an H. pylori infection and the assessment of the efficacy of treatment, the stool antigen test and urea breath test are advised. Because they are quick and noninvasive, these tests are the ones that are used the most. Invasive endoscopy-related tests can also be used to identify and assess H. pylori, but they are less typically used as a result.

What do my H Pylori test results mean?

When a person's stool antigen or breath test for H. pylori is positive, it is likely that the bacteria are to blame for their peptic ulcer. To eradicate the germs and halt the pain and ulceration, a course of treatment combining antibiotics and other drugs will be advised.

If a test is negative, it is quite improbable that the subject has an H. pylori infection, and it is possible that the subject's signs and symptoms are caused by something else. To more definitively rule out infection, additional testing, such as a more invasive tissue biopsy, may be performed if symptoms continue.

Most Common Questions About the Helicobacter Pylori Ag, Eia, Stool test:

Purpose and Clinical Indications of the Test

What is the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test, and what does it detect?

The Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test is designed to detect the antigen of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in stool samples. It helps diagnose infections caused by H. pylori, which is linked to ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.

Why is the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test performed?

This test is performed to confirm or rule out an H. pylori infection, which can lead to ulcers, gastritis, and even an increased risk of stomach cancer.

How does the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test compare to other diagnostic methods for H. pylori?

The Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test is non-invasive and offers an alternative to other methods like breath testing or endoscopy with biopsy. It is particularly useful for individuals who cannot undergo invasive testing.

Interpretation of the Test Results

What do the results of the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test mean?

A positive result indicates the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool, suggesting an active infection. A negative result generally means there is no active infection, although false negatives may occur.

How is the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test used to guide treatment?

The test assists in deciding the appropriate antibiotic treatment for the infection. It may also be used to confirm the eradication of H. pylori after treatment.

Performance of the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool Test

How sensitive and specific is the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test?

The sensitivity and specificity of the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test vary but are generally considered high. Sensitivity typically ranges from 85% to 95%, while specificity is usually around 90% to 98%.

How soon after an infection can the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test detect H. pylori?

The test can detect H. pylori relatively early in the infection, often within a week or two of exposure.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Can the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test be used for follow-up after treatment?

Yes, the test can be used to confirm the eradication of H. pylori after treatment with antibiotics, although it should be performed a few weeks after completing therapy.

How often should the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test be performed if the infection persists?

Repeat testing should be guided by clinical judgment and symptoms. If symptoms persist and initial tests were negative, retesting might be necessary to rule out a false negative.

Miscellaneous Questions

Is there any cross-reactivity in the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test with other organisms or substances?

Rarely, cross-reactivity with other gastrointestinal organisms may occur, although the test's specificity generally limits this.

Can the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods for a comprehensive assessment?

Yes, the test may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods like endoscopy or urea breath test for a more comprehensive assessment of H. pylori infection.

How should the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test sample be collected, and what is the preferred method of transportation to the lab?

The stool sample should be collected using a clean, dry container and transported to the lab as soon as possible, ideally at room temperature or refrigerated if there are delays.

How do recent antibiotic treatments affect the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test results?

Recent antibiotic treatments can affect the test's accuracy, potentially leading to false negatives. Testing should be avoided within 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment.

Can food or medications other than antibiotics interfere with the Helicobacter Pylori Ag EIA Stool test?

Generally, food or non-antibiotic medications do not interfere with the test, but following specific pre-test instructions provided by healthcare providers is essential.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.