Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen

Additional Information:

UFHPL Epic order code: LAB397

CPT Code(s):

87338

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Stool
Container/Tube: Sterile screw-cap vial (Para-Pak® white vial)
Sample Volume:

  • Stool: 2 g (a thumbnail size portion of stool)
  • Liquid Stool: 2 mL
Minimum Volume:

  • Stool: 1 mL
  • Liquid Stool: 1 mL
Storage: Specimen should be stored at 4°C and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection. If a longer period is required, the specimen should be frozen at -70°C or maintained on dry ice.
Rejection Criteria:

  • Inappropriate specimen transport conditions (e.g., room temperature specimen) or device
  • Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label
  • Specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours)
  • Leaking specimen
  • Specimen received in an inappropriate container

Use:

This test is used to establish the presence and possible etiologic role of Helicobacter pylori in cases of chronic gastric ulcer, gastritis, duodenal ulcer and dyspepsia (and others).

Contraindications

Antimicrobials, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations are known to suppress H pylori, and ingestion of these prior to H pylori testing may give a false-negative result. If a negative result is obtained for a patient ingesting these compounds within two weeks prior to performing the stool antigen test, it may be a false-negative result; the test should be repeated on a new specimen obtained two weeks after discontinuing treatment. A positive result for a patient ingesting these compounds within two weeks prior to performing the stool antigen test should be considered accurate.

Methodology:

Immunoassay

Performed:

Monday - Friday