Sign in →

Test Code LAB397 Helicobacter pylori Antigen, Feces

Important Note

The following medications can reduce the concentration of H. pylori and should be avoided 2 weeks prior to testing:

  • Antibiotics
  • Bismuth drugs (Pepto Bismol)
  • Proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium)

Useful For

  • Differential diagnosis of patients with peptic ulcer disease and active gastritis
  • Therapeutic monitoring and documentation of cure in patients with H. pylori  infection

Methodology

Lateral Flow Immunoassay

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Fresh raw stool

Container/Tube: CLEAN VIAL (White top vial with no added preservatives)

Acceptable: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collection of solid, formed, semisolid and liquid stool is appropriate.

2. Transfer stool to container.
3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection.

4. Return specimen to laboratory ASAP.

 

Specimen Rejection:

1. Stool contaminated with urine or water

2. Stool in preservative/fixative

3. Stool collected in a diaper

Additional Information

  • If testing cannot be performed within 72 hours, specimen must be frozen immediately upon receipt.
  • Antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations are known to suppress H. pylori, and ingestion of these prior to H. pylori testing may cause false negative results. If a patient has ingested these compounds within two weeks prior to performing the test, a false negative result may occur.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerated <72 hours/Frozen >72 hours

Specimen Stability

 

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Stool Refrigerated 72 hours
  Frozen 1 month

 

Reference Values

Negative: H. pylori antigens are absent or below the level of detection

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87338