Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are common and can cause digestive problems such as gastritis and ulcers. Although many people are asymptomatic, specific tests can be used to diagnose these infections. This article explores the various screening methods and their importance for digestive health.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common type of bacteria that infects the lining of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Most people with H. pylori never have symptoms. But in some people, bacteria can cause digestive problems.
H. pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcers, which are lesions that form primarily in the stomach and upper small intestine. H. pylori can also cause gastritis (inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining). Without treatment, gastritis with H. pylori can last a lifetime and increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Researchers aren't sure how people get the bacteria. H. pylori can be spread from person to person through contact with the vomit, stool (poop), or saliva (spit) of an infected person. Bacteria can also be spread through contaminated food and water.
Anyone who is exposed to H. pylori can get sick from an infection with H. pylori. But infections with H. pylori are the most common in children. Tests for the bacteria can determine if H. pylori is the cause of gastritis or other conditions that cause persistent indigestion. If this is the case, treatment can eliminate the bacteria so that the lining of your stomach can heal.
There are various ways to test for an infection with H. pylori. The most common tests use samples of your breath or stool. In some cases, tests are done on a tissue sample taken from inside your stomach.
Other names: stool antigen H. pylori, breath tests H. pylori, urea breath test, rapid ureas test (RUT) for H. pylori, culture H. pylori
Les tests H. pylori are used for:
Because there are many possible causes of digestive symptoms, providers often order tests for other digestive disorders at the same time as a test H. pylori.
You may need a test for H. pylori if you have symptoms of gastritis or ulcers. These conditions are often caused by bacteria H. pylori. Symptoms may include:
Gastritis can lead to an ulcer, which is a more serious condition. Ulcer symptoms can become severe if you develop complications. Get medical help right away if you have:
If you have been treated for an infection with H. pylori, you may need a test to see if the treatment worked to eliminate all bacteria. Si H. pylori stays in your body, it can develop and cause symptoms again.
There are various ways to test for H. pylori. Your health care provider may order one or more tests:
A breath test is also called a urea breath test. It generally includes these steps:
Stool tests. There are various ways to check a stool sample for H. pylori :
Your provider will likely give you a container or kit with instructions on how to collect a stool sample. There are various ways to collect the sample, so follow the instructions carefully. In general, you will need to:
If you are collecting a sample from diapers, you will be given special instructions for using plastic film inside a clean diaper. In some cases, a provider may use a swab to take a stool sample from the rectum.
Endoscopy. If other tests don't provide enough information for a diagnosis, your provider may request a procedure called endoscopy. Your provider will use an endoscope to examine your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), the lining of your stomach, and part of your small intestine. During the procedure:
Before taking a test H. pylori, you may need to stop taking some medications for two weeks to one month. This includes a lot of medications you might take for your symptoms. Be sure to talk to your provider about any medications you are currently taking.
For an endoscopy, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours prior to the procedure. You may feel sleepy afterwards, so plan to have someone take you home.
There are no known risks in having breath tests or stool tests.
During an endoscopy, you may experience some discomfort when the tube is inserted, but serious complications are rare. There is a very low risk of tearing your bowel. If you have a biopsy, there is a small risk of bleeding from where the sample was taken. But that usually stops by itself.
A test result H. pylori negative (normal) means you probably don't have an infection with H. pylori. Your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
A positive test result means you have an infection with H. pylori. Your doctor will usually prescribe one or more antibiotics to treat the infection. You will usually take other medications to ease your symptoms and help heal your stomach. After completing your treatment, your doctor may order follow-up tests to make sure that any bacteria H. pylori have disappeared.
Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Blood tests for H. pylori check for the presence of certain proteins (antibodies) that your immune system produces to fight against H. pylori. These tests are not commonly used to diagnose H. pylori. This is because the test cannot show whether the antibodies are from an active infection with H. pylori that you currently have or from a past infection that your antibodies have successfully fought off.
But if a blood test for H. pylori Show that you don't have antibodies H. pylori, this usually means that you did not have an infection at the time your blood sample was taken.
Diseases
Diseases and vaccines
Lifestyle
Activity
Nutrition
Sleep
Hygiene
Emotional Health
2025 La Rive Clinic. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Cookies settings
