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
