Helicobacter Pylori

HP stool antigen test

This measures the presence of HP antigen in the stool, and so if positive indicates HP infection.

To use this test the patient must be off PPIs for two weeks and also off antibiotics for four weeks.

HP serology

This measures blood antibodies, but can be positive for many years after treatment, so a positive test does not indicate current infection necessarily.

A negative test suggests there is no current infection.

Sample types

Faeces

Serum

Specimen requirements

Stool in universal container

Blood in SST gold top tube

Minimum volume

1-2g stool

0.5ml serum

Turnaround time

Stool Ag - 5 days

Antibody - 1 day

What to request on EPR

Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, stool

Helicobacter Pylori Ab level, blood