Tests for detecting H Pylori bacteria
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that cause peptic ulcers. There are certain tests that are performed to confirm or detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection inside the stomach and antrum first part of the duodenum (small intestine). Ulcers inside the stomach and those inside the duodenum show different symptoms and it is therefore important to rule out which one of the ulcer the patient is presenting with.
The common four tests which are performed to diagnose the presence of H. pylori are:
Stomach endoscopy. Endoscope is put inside the stomach and small intestine through the mouth and esophagus to check any signs of ulcers or tumor inside the effected organ.
Stool antigen test. This test that is the stool antigen test is performed in order to check and see whether antigens of an H. pylori infection (H. pyloriantigens) are present in the stool or not. This test os one of the most successful tests used to detect H Pylori.
Blood antibody test. This test that is the blood antigen test is performed to check if the patient’s body has developed antibodies against H. pylori bacteria or not. It antibodies are detected this shows the existence of bacteria.
Urea breath test. This is an expensive test in which the patient is first given urea combined with radioactive or non-radioactive form of C orally. After that breath test is done to check H. pylori bacteria’s presence in the stomach. this is a useful test but is not available everywhere.
There are many other invasive and non-invasive methods to detect H Pylori as well.