Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

H Pylori Antigen Level, Stool

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

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB880

Department

Immunology

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) refrigerated (2°– 8°C).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Stool in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2°– 8°C). (Minimum: 0.5 g)

Rejection Criteria

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

In-Lab Processing

• Specimen transferred to a freezer.
• Maintain specimen frozen (-20°C or below) prior to testing.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Unpreserved:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): >72 hours

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retained for 72 hours after testing is completed.

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available 3-5 days.

Reference Range

Negative for H. pylori antigen.

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Interpretation

Antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations are known to suppress H. Pylori growth. Ingestion of these agents within 2 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
LOINC Code: 17780-8

Contacts

Last Updated

4/1/2025