Helicobacter Pylori Antigen

Pathology category

Microbiology - Virology

Code

HPYA

Referral code

Request form

Please include relevant clinical details including any antimicrobial therapy and proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use in the last 4 weeks. Request to be done on ICE

Test information

This is an antigen test performed on stool samples. A positive result is consistent with a current infection with H. pylori. Gastric acid suppression and/or antimicrobial therapies should be omitted 14 days prior to the test, otherwise false-negatives may occur. This test is not currently UKAS accredited.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

The specimen should be tested as soon as possible, but may be held for up to 72 hours at 2-8˚C before testing.Patients should be told to omit PPI treatment for 2 weeks prior to testing as PPI use increases the chance of a false-negative result.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Sterile stool container

Special requirements

Minimum volume

1ml/1g

Assay frequency

Twice weekly

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

1-4 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

1 - 4 days

Referral lab