Patient with persistent dyspepsia; patient with diagnosed duodenal ulcer, gastric MALT, or early gastric cancer
Previously known as Campylobacter pylori, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial pathogens in humans.
Tests generally appear in the order most useful for common clinical situations
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Breath Test |
| ARUP #: 0020646 |
| Methodology: Qualitative Infrared Spectrophotometric |
| Use: Initial test to determine if H. pylori is causing active infection Monitor H. pylori infection post treatment |
| Limitations: Negative result does not rule out possibility of H. pylori infection; if clinical signs suggest H. pylori infection, retest with new sample or alternate method False-negative results may be caused by
False-positive results may be caused by
^13C and ^14C breath tests are noninvasive, but expensive due to need for special equipment |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Antigen, Fecal by EIA |
| ARUP #: 0065147 |
| Methodology: Qualitative Enzyme Immunoassay |
| Use: Determine if H. pylori has been eradicated or just temporarily suppressed, especially in adult patients with complicated, recurrent or refractory peptic ulcers Antigen testing should be performed no sooner than 1 month after therapy concluded |
| Limitations: Less accurate in pediatric patients (low sensitivity) |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Antibodies, IgG & IgA |
| ARUP #: 0050994 |
| Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay |
| Use: Determine if H. pylori is causing active infection Not recommended for primary diagnosis |
| Limitations: May require repeat testing if results are equivocal and clinical suspicion present |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori by Immunohistochemistry |
| ARUP #: 2003941 |
| Methodology: Immunohistochemistry |
| Use: Aid in histologic diagnosis of H. pylori Stained and returned to client pathologist; consultation available if needed |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Antibody, IgA |
| ARUP #: 0050995 |
| Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay |
| Comments: H. pylori IgG and IgA antibody seroconversion occur together after 60 days; samples with high titer of both IgG and IgA antibodies to H. pylori in symptomatic individuals may indicate active infection |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Antibody, IgG |
| ARUP #: 0099359 |
| Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay |
| Comments: |
| Test name: Helicobacter pylori Antibody, IgM |
| ARUP #: 0098392 |
| Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay |
| Comments: Clinical utility not clearly established |