H. pylori Bacteria Tests and Results

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Helicobacter pylori Tests

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Risks continued...

There are no risks or complications with a stool sample. But if you do not wash your hands well after collecting the sample, you may spread germs.

Stomach biopsy

There is a slight risk (1 in 10,000) of puncturing the wall of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum during an endoscopy to collect stomach biopsy samples. The biopsy may also cause some bleeding at the site where the samples are collected. But the bleeding usually stops without treatment. For more information, see the medical test Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

After an endoscopy

After the endoscopy, you may belch and feel bloated for a while. You also may have a tickling, dry throat; slight hoarseness; or a mild sore throat. These symptoms may last several days. Throat lozenges and warm saltwater gargles can help relieve the throat symptoms. Do not drink alcohol after the test.

After the endoscopy, contact your doctor immediately if you:

Vomit blood or notice black or bloody stools.
Have trouble swallowing or talking.
Are short of breath or have a fast heartbeat.
Have increasing chest or abdominal pain.
Have neck or shoulder pain.
Have a fever.

Results

Helicobacter pylori tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Results from the urea breath test or a stool antigen test are usually available within a few hours. Results from a blood antibody test are usually available within 24 hours. Results from biopsy samples obtained by endoscopy are usually available within 48 hours. Results from a biopsy sample that is cultured can take up to 10 days.

**Blood antibody test**
Normal:	The blood sample does not contain H. pylori antigens.
Abnormal:	The blood sample contains H. pylori antigens.

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**Urea breath test**
Normal:	The breath sample does not contain the tagged hydrocarbon.
Abnormal:	The breath sample contains the tagged hydrocarbon.

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**Stool antigen test**
Normal:	The stool sample does not contain H. pylori antigens. This is called a negative test result. However, a negative stool antigen test does not always mean that you do not have an H. pylori infection.
Abnormal:	The stool sample contains H. pylori antigens.

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**Stomach biopsy**
Normal:	The biopsy sample does not contain H. pylori bacteria. H. pylori bacteria does not grow in a culture of the tissue biopsy samples. See a picture of a normal stomach as seen during endoscopy .
Abnormal:	The biopsy sample contains H. pylori bacteria. H. pylori bacteria grows in a culture of the tissue biopsy samples. See a picture of gastritis caused by H. pylori as seen during endoscopy .

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 06, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.