Helicobacter Pylori Antigen
Also known as Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the presence of the active Helicobacter Pylori infection in the suspected individual body by using stool or feces.
What is H.Pylori?
Helicobacter Pylori H. Pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria and attack the lining of the stomach. Due to its spiral shape, it penetrates into the stomach and gets protected by the mucus. Hence, immune cells are not able to reach them. This bacteria cause serious stomach problems like peptic ulcer, gastritis and most of the stomach ulcers. Antigens are the foreign substances that induce the immune responses to produce antibodies in the human body
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to check the presence of H.Pylori antigens in the body. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from conditions such as peptic ulcer, gastritis etc. If symptoms like burning sensation in abdominal pain during the night or after few hours of having food, intestinal bleeding, tenderness, excessive burping, lack of appetite, unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, trouble in swallowing, anemia etc. are seen in an individual, then the doctor may recommend doing this test. If an individual is on the treatment of medications like clarithromycin, omeprazole, amoxicillin, then the doctor may ask to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment. Sometimes this test is done along with other H.Pylori tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Generally, this test should be done after 4 weeks of completing the treatment for H.Pylori infection to check the treatment results.
Precautions:
Medications such as antibiotics, bismuth, proton-pump inhibitors may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Helicobacter Pylori Antigen. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Helicobacter Pylori Antigen.
You need to stop using antibiotics, bismuth medicines, and proton-pump inhibitors 2 weeks before the test.
Understanding your test results
If the test results are negative it may indicate that H.Pylori antigens are not present in the body and there is no H.Pylori infection.
If the test results are positive it may indicate that H.Pylori antigens are present and the H.Pylori infection is still present in the body.
Sometimes a false positive may occur if the test is done immediately after the treatment.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | H.pylori antigen is detected in positive cases |