Lab Guide
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Test ID: Helicobacter Pylori Antigen
Helicobacter pylori antigen
Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection
Useful For

Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool samples for diagnosis of H.pylori infection.

The test also can be used to determine treatment effectiveness, relapse or eradication of infection.

Method name and description

Commercially available Immuno-chromatographic assay 

Reporting name

Helicobacter Pylori Antigen

Clinical information

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that is found in the gastric mucous layer or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. H.pylori causes more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers.
The importance of Helicobacter pylori testing has increased greatly since the strong link between the presence of bacteria and confirmed gastrointestinal diseases (stomach and duodenum) like gastric, peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma was discovered.

Aliases
  • H. pylori
  • Helicobacter pylori antigen
  • H. pylori Ag

 

Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container

Specimen type

  • Stool

Specimen Volume

  • 1-2 ml or 1-2 g

Specimen container 

  • Sterile leak proof container   
Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection

Collection instructions

Collect the required volume of stool into the container taking care to avoid contamination with urine or toilet water.

 

Relevant clinical information to be provided
  • Any antibiotic therapy in last 4 weeks

 

Storage and transport instructions

Send immediately to the laboratory at room temperature. If any delay, then refrigerate at 2-8○C  and send to the laboratory within 24 hrs of collection.

Note: Do NOT leave the specimen at room temperature for prolonged periods as this may compromise the quality of the sample

Specimen Rejection Criteria
  • Leaking container
  • Unlabeled/Mislabeled specimen
  • Duplicate specimen within 48 hrs
Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values

Negative result

Helicobacter pylori Antigen: Negative

Positive result

Helicobacter pylori Antigen: Positive

Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation

Following certain antibiotic treatment, the concentration of antigen may decrease to a level below the detection limit of the test. Therefore a negative result during antibiotic therapy should be interpreted with caution.

 

Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time

Turnaround time

  • 24-72 hours

Days and times test performed

  • Sunday to Thursday 7am-3 pm only at the AAH microbiology laboratory. 

Specimen retention time:

  • 48 hrs after final report