Helicobater Pylori Test

Helicobater Pyroli is a type of bacteria that dwells in various parts of the stomach and duodenum (the upper region of the small intestine) of the infected person and is responsible for causing peptic ulcers. The bacteria is said to be contracted through food and water. The bacterium can also spread through the saliva of the infected person and thus mouth to mouth contact such as kissing helps spread the bacteria. However not all infections caused by this bacteria lead to a peptic ulcer. If a person is experiencing gastro-intestinal pain and symptoms that may indicate a possibility of an ulcer, then the doctor might ask for this test to be done. This infection has certain symptoms such as indigestion, belching, regurgitation, nausea, feeling of fullness or bloating.

Helicobater Pylori Test Reasons

The Helicobater Pylori test or H. Pylori test is conducted to determine whether an infection caused by the H. Pylori bacteria exists in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. The test is also conducted to check if the treatment for the infection was successfully carried out.

Helicobater Pylori Test Preparation

There is no need to prepare for a blood antibody or a stool antibody test. If it is a urea breath or a stomach biopsy test, then avoid eating or drinking anything including water six hours before the test. Some medicines might change the results of this test and hence do not take any antibiotic, proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec or Nexium) or medicines containing bismuth (Pepto-bismol) one or two weeks prior to the test. Use of H2 blockers such as Peptic AC, Zantac, Axid or Tegament should be stopped 24 hours before the test.

Helicobater Pylori Test Procedure

There are four tests which are conducted to detect the H. pylori bacteria, blood antibody test, stool antibody test, urea breath test, and stomach biopsy. For a blood antibody test a sample of the blood is taken to check if the body has produced any antibodies to the bacteria. The stool antibody test determines if the substances that trigger the immune system to fight against the bacteria is present in the feces of the person. This test is also done to check if the treatment against H. pylori was successful. The urea breath test checks if the bacteria is present in the stomach. A liquid containing a radioactive carbon atom is to be consumed. By testing the breath exhaled it can be determined if the bacteria is present in the stomach. For the stomach biopsy, a small sample of the stomach lining is taken through an endoscopy to be tested for the H. pylori bacteria.