H Pylori, Breath

This Test is used to detect the presence of Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterium which is found in the stomach and may contribute to the development of Chronic Gastritis, ulcers, and in some cases Stomach Cancer. Breath testing is a non-invasive, pain-free method to test for H Pylori. This test requires people to provide a breath sample before and after drinking a solution which will react to the presence of H Pylori bacteria by releasing carbon dioxide.

H Pylori is a bacteria commonly found in the stomach. It weakens the stomach’s natural protective lining making it more susceptible to damage from gastric acid. This can lead to the development of ulcers and in time, increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Symptoms of H Pylori typically include heartburn, nausea, gas, stomach or abdominal pain, bloating, voting and indigestion.

There are several ways to test for H Pylori. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) considers H Pylori Breath Testing the preferred method for determining if treatment was effective. With a sensitivity of 95.2% and specificity of 89.7%. breath testing is also highly effective for detecting current infections.

An H Pylori IgG Antibody blood test looks for antibodies which the body develops in response to infection. These antibodies will typically be present if a person has had a recent or past infection and may remain detectable 12-18 months after treatment. The H Pylori IgA Antibody blood test looks for a different type of antibody which may not develop in all people. This test can help identify infection in people who only develop IgG antibodies in very low levels. The H Pylori Stool Test looks for the presence of antigens that signal the immune system to fight infections. This test can also be effective in seeing if a person has an infection or as a followup to treatment.

Turnaround time for this test is typically 3-4 business days.