Prices

Start order

---

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that can be found in the mucus that lines the stomach of up to 40% of the UK population.

In 15% of these it can cause ulceration in the stomach or first part of the bowel called the duodenum. Ulcers usually cause indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, burning stomach pain or nausea. These symptoms often do not respond to over the counter medication or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They can lead to more serious symptoms such as bleeding and perforation (holes) in the stomach or duodenum. It is thought up to 90% of stomach ulcers are due to H. pylori infection.

This CE-certified test works by detecting antigens, pieces of protein, of H. pylori in the faeces to determine if the infection is present.

However it should be noted 8 to 9 out of 10 people with H. pylori do not have any symptoms or stomach ulcers.

When to use H. pylori test

• If you have had dyspepsia symptoms that have not responded to lifestyle changes or a 4-week course of a daily PPI (proton pump inhibitor): omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole.
• If you have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers and have not been tested for H. Pylori previously.

When NOT to use H. pylori test

• Within 4 weeks of antibiotics.
• Within 2 weeks of taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
• Both of these can suppress bacteria and lead to a falsely negative result.
• Patients over the age of 55, with recent onset, unexplained, and persistent dyspepsia (over 4-6 weeks) should speak to their GP urgently for further assessment.

How to use the H. pylori test

Full instructions can be found on the H. pylori instruction leaflet supplied with the test.

1. Collect stool specimen in the collection paper.
2. Unscrew the cap of the specimen collection tube.
3. Randomly stab the specimen collection applicator into the faecal specimen in at least 3 different sites.
4. Screw on and tighten the cap onto the specimen collection tube.
5. Shake the specimen collection tube vigorously.
6. Open the cap of the specimen collection tube and break the tip.
7. Invert the tube and transfer 2 full drops of the extracted specimen to the S well.
8. Read results at 10 minutes. If positive it is recommended to take a photo of the cassette result to show to your GP.

Note: The intensity of the colour in the rest line region (T) will vary depending on the concentration of H. pylori antigen present in the specimen. Any shade of colour should be considered positive.

Alternative Helicobacter pylori testing

H. Pylori can also be tested on a blood test, however this is not widely used as it will also pick up past infections that have been treated as it picks up your antibodies to the infection, not parts of the bacteria.

It can also be detected using a breath test following ingestion of a liquid containing urea which is broken down by H. pylori.

A biopsy of the stomach lining can be taken during an endoscopy which can also be examined in a laboratory for the presence of H. pylori.

Your GP may advise and offer you a H. pylori stool test following their assessment.

Treatment for Helicobacter pylori

If the test results are positive then you will need to make an appointment with your usual GP to discuss the results. It may be helpful to take a photo of the results to show them. They will take a more detailed history and decide if further testing is necessary and what treatment is appropriate for you.

H. pylori is usually treated with a combination of 2 antibiotics and a PPI for a week which is called 'eradication therapy'. The PPI is often continued for longer as symptoms may take longer to settle after eradication of the bacteria.

Retesting after treatment is not usually recommended. Once you have eradicated H. pylori it is unlikely that you will become reinfected in the future. If you do have ongoing symptoms then you should discuss this with your usual GP.

Further information

• NHS - Stomach ulcer
• Guts UK - Helicobacter pylori

---

Start order