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Helicobacter pylori screening

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacteria found in the stomach and intestine of some individuals. It is often the cause of various digestive problems, such as gastritis and ulcers. There are several screening tests used to detect this bacteria. They are done to check for the presence of H. pylori in the stomach or intestine.

Blood analysis - Test for antibodies

Preparation No preparation needed.
How is it done? A blood sample is drawn, usually from a vein in the arm.
Optimal result Normal/Negative (absence of antibodies)
Related tests If you test positive for antibodies, a different screening test must be done to determine whether the infection is active.
How long before I get the results? Results are usually ready in a day. It may take longer to receive your results.

Urea breath test

Preparation
  • Fast. Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for 3 hours before the test.
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 24 hours before the test:
    • Antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Tums )
    • Drugs in the H2 blocker class (e.g., ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid) )
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 2 weeks before the test:
    • Drugs in the proton pump inhibitor class (e.g., omeprazole (Losec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Pantoloc), rabeprazole (Pariet), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) )
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 1 month before the test:
    • Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin )
    • Bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol )
How is it done? During the test, you must remain in a resting position and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking. The procedure has several steps:
  • Provide a sample of exhaled breath by blowing into a specially designed tube.
  • Ingest a small amount of urea (in tablet or liquid form).
  • After 30 minutes, provide a second sample of exhaled breath.
Optimal result
  • Normal/Negative
How long before I get the results? Results are usually ready in a day. It may take longer to receive your results.

Stool analysis - Test for substances associated with the bacteria

Preparation
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 14 days before the test:
    • Medication for heartburn (e.g., Gaviscon, Tums )
    • Medication for diarrhea (e.g., loperamide (Imodium), attapulgite (Kaopectate) )
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 1 month before the test:
    • Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin )
    • Bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol )
How is it done? A stool sample must be provided for analysis.
Optimal result
  • Normal/Negative
How long before I get the results? Results are usually ready in a few days. It may take longer to receive your results.

Endoscopy - Biopsy

Preparation
  • Fast. Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for several hours before the test.
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 24 hours before the test:
    • Antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Tums )
    • Drugs in the H2 blocker class (e.g., ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid) )
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 2 weeks before the test:
    • Drugs in the proton pump inhibitor class (e.g., omeprazole (Losec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Pantoloc), rabeprazole (Pariet), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) )
  • Do not take any of the following for at least 1 month before the test:
    • Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin )
    • Bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol )
  • Depending on your condition, your health care provider may also ask you to stop taking medications other than those listed above.
How is it done? Endoscopy is a technique that involves inserting a camera into the digestive tract to closely examine the stomach and intestine. It allows for small tissue samples from the lining of the stomach and intestine to be collected for analysis.
Optimal result
  • Normal/Negative
How long before I get the results? Results are usually ready in a few days. It may take longer to receive your results.

What you should know before going for this test

When you go in for a blood test or any other medical exam, it's always a good idea to bring a complete list of any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or natural health products you're taking. Unless otherwise advised, it's best to take your medications as usual on blood test days. If in doubt, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare professional.

© Copyright Vigilance Santé

The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.

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