Helicobacter Pylori Tests

How It Is Done

Blood antibody test

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Urea breath test

A breath sample is collected when you blow into a balloon or blow bubbles into a bottle of liquid. The health professional will:

• Collect a sample of your breath before the test starts.
• Give you a capsule or some water to swallow that contains tagged or radioactive material.
• Collect more samples of your breath. The samples will be tested to see if they contain material formed when H. pylori comes into contact with the tagged or radioactive material.

Stool antigen test

For this test, you may be asked to collect the stool sample at home. To collect the sample, you need to:

• Pass stool into a dry container. Either solid or liquid stools can be collected. Be careful not to get urine or toilet tissue in with the stool sample.
• Replace the container cap. Label the container with your name, your doctor's name, and the date the sample was collected.
• Wash your hands well after you collect the sample.
• Take the sealed container to your doctor's office or to the lab as soon as you can.

Stomach biopsy

A procedure called endoscopy is used to collect samples of tissue from the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The tissue samples are tested in a lab to see if they contain H. pylori.

How It Feels

Blood antibody test

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

Urea breath test

This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort.

Stool antigen test

This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort.

If your doctor collects the sample during a rectal exam, you may feel some pressure or discomfort as the cotton swab is inserted into your rectum.

Stomach biopsy

You may notice a brief, sharp pain when the intravenous (I.V.) needle is placed in a vein in your arm. The local anestheticlocal anesthetic sprayed into your throat usually tastes slightly bitter and will make your tongue and throat feel numb and swollen. Some people report that they feel as if they cannot breathe at times because of the tube in their throat, but this is a false sensation caused by the anesthetic. There is always plenty of breathing space around the tube in your mouth and throat. Remember to relax and take slow, deep breaths.

You may have some gagging, nausea, bloating, or mild abdominal cramping as the tube is moved. Even though you won't be able to talk during the procedure because you have a tube in your throat, you can still communicate. If the discomfort is severe, alert your doctor with an agreed-upon signal or a tap on the arm.

The I.V. medicines will make you feel sleepy. Other side effects—such as heavy eyelids, trouble speaking, a dry mouth, or blurred vision—may last for several hours after the test. The medicines may also cause you not to remember much of what happens during the test.

Risks

Blood antibody test

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.

Urea breath test

There are no known risks or complications with a urea breath test. If radioactive carbon is used, the amount of radioactivity exposure is extremely small—less than you normally get from being outside during the day.

Stool antigen test

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

Stomach biopsy

There is a slight risk of puncturing the wall of the esophagusesophagus, 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.

Results

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