Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Stool (Southeast Michigan Only)

Campylobacter pylori, H. pylori, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori Antigen, Stool

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231363, Beaker: XHPAG, Warde: HPSAG

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random stool specimen in a sterile collection container with no preservatives. (Minimum: 0.5 g).

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen (in sterile collection container) frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool in a sterile collection container, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.5 g)

Rejection Criteria

• Rectal swabs.
• Watery stools.
• Stool specimens received in transport media or preservative.
• 24-hour collection of stool.

In-Lab Processing

• Maintain specimen frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below) prior to testing.
• Refrigerated specimen acceptable if received within 72 hours.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Unpreserved:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 4 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Warde Medical Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI.

Performed

Tuesday – Friday.
Results available 4-6 days.

Reference Range

Negative for H. pylori antigen.

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Interpretation

The sensitivity of the assay has been reported to be 89% with a 94-95% specificity.

Antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations are known to suppress H. pylori growth. Ingestion of these agents within two weeks of H. pylori antigen may produce false negative results.

Testing to confirm eradication of H. pylori should be done four or more weeks after completion of therapy.

Clinical Utility

This assay provides a non-invasive method for the identification of Helicobacter pylori in stool. Test results are intended to aid in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, and to monitor response during and after therapy in adult patients.

Clinical Disease

Nearly 70% of gastric ulcers and more than 90% of duodenal ulcers have been associated with H. pylori infections. H. pylori infection has also been associated with adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Nearly all patients with H. pylori have antral gastritis.

Epidemiology

Prevalence of infection increases with age. By 60 years of age, 50% of patients have evidence of H. pylori infection. Despite this high incidence, disease is seen in only a small percentage of this population (less than 2%). African Americans and Hispanics have increased infection rates over non-Hispanic Caucasians. Infection rates are higher in lower socioeconomic areas. Infection is infrequent in childhood.

Transmission

H. pylori is believed to be transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Enhanced transmission can occur in areas with overcrowded living conditions. Patients with H. pylori infection may develop acute gastritis within two weeks following infection.

Reference

1. Lawson, A.J. 2011. Heliobacter. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 10^th edition. Versalovic, J. et. al. (eds.) ASM Press. Washington, D.C.

CPT Codes

87338

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2024