Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Tests

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common type of bacteria that infects the lining of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Most people with H. pylori never have symptoms. But in some people, the bacteria can cause problems with digestion.

H. pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcers, which are sores that form mainly in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. H. pylori can also cause gastritis (inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining). Without treatment, H. pylori gastritis can last a lifetime and increase the chance of developing stomach cancer.

Researchers aren't sure how people get the bacteria. H. pylori may be spread from person to person through contact with vomit, stool (poop), or saliva (spit) from an infected person. The bacteria may also be spread through contaminated food and water.

Anyone who is exposed to H. pylori can become sick with an H. pylori infection. But H. pylori infections are most common in children. Testing for the bacteria can find out if H. pylori is causing gastritis or other conditions that cause ongoing indigestion.

If so, treatment can kill the bacteria so the lining of your stomach can heal. There are different ways to test for an H. pylori infection. The most common tests use samples of your breath or stool.

In certain cases, tests are done on a sample of tissue that's removed from inside your stomach.

Why this test is done

You may need an H. pylori test if you have symptoms of gastritis or an ulcer. These conditions are often caused by H. pylori bacteria. The symptoms may include:

• Pain in your upper abdomen (belly)
• Bloating (a feeling of fullness or swelling in your belly)
• Feeling full too soon while eating a meal
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burping or belching
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Gastritis can lead to an ulcer, which is a more serious condition. The symptoms of an ulcer can become severe if you develop complications. Get medical help right away if you have:

• Signs of stomach bleeding which include:
• Black or tarry stool
• Red blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Sudden, sharp or severe belly pain that doesn't go away
• Dizziness or fainting
• A rapid pulse (heartbeat) or other symptoms of shock
• A chance or worsening in your symptoms if you already know you have an ulcer

If you've been treated for an H. pylori infection, you may need testing to see if treatment worked to get rid of all the bacteria. If H. pylori remains in your body, it can grow and cause symptoms again.

How to prepare

Before you have an H. pylori test, you may need to stop taking certain medicines for two weeks to a month. This includes many medicines you may be taking for your symptoms. Be sure to talk with your provider about all medicines you are currently taking.

For an endoscopy, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the procedure. You may be drowsy afterwards, so plan to have someone bring you home.

Sample type

Stool Tissue/Biopsy