What are the other names for this test?

H.pylori breath tests, urea breath test, CLO test, H.pylori stool antigen, Rapid urease test (RUT) for H.pylori

What is the H.Pylori antigen stool test?

This test helps to diagnose helicobacter pylori infection in your digestive system through the stool sample. H.pylori infection develops when helicobacter pylori bacteria enter your stomach. H.pylori bacteria spread from person to person via physical contact with saliva, stool, or vomit. It may also transmit through polluted water or food. This infection is one of the leading causes of stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers). Peptic ulcers are sores that may develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus (the muscular tube that transfers food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach).
H.pylori infections are common because about half of the world’s population has experienced it. H.pylori does not show symptoms in most people. This infection may lead to ulcers (peptic ulcer disease), consistent stomach inflammation (gastritis), and gastric (stomach) cancer. The H.pylori bacteria reduces the function of the stomach to develop mucus that allows stomach damage from digestive acid and peptic ulcers.

What is the purpose of the Helicobacter pylori antigen stool test?

This test detects the H.pylori antigen in your stool sample. A healthcare provider uses a stool antigen test or urea breath test to look for H.pylori infection and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Both these tests are mostly used because they provide fast results. A doctor usually recommends a H.pylori antigen stool test to children instead of a urea breath test.

Why do I need an H.pylori stool test?

H.pylori infection does not indicate any signs to most people. The reason is still not clear. If you have signs and symptoms develop along with H.pylori infection, they are linked with a peptic ulcer or gastritis. Symptoms of peptic ulcer include:
 

• Burning pain or inflammation in the stomach
• Stomach pain that goes worse if you have an empty stomach
• Reduction in hunger
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased burping (Excretion of excess air from your upper digestive tract)
• Bloating
• Unexpected weight loss

You may need the H.pylori antigen stool test if you experience these symptoms of peptic ulcer. A provider may order this test if you have the following serious medical condition, such as:
 

• Extreme pain in the stomach that can urge to wake up from sleep
• Blood or black tarry in the stools
• Blood in the vomiting seems to be coffee grounds.

A healthcare provider may also order this test within 4 to 6 weeks when you have received the treatment from medication to check that the infection is eliminated.

What are the risk factors for developing H.pylori infection?

Most H.pylori infections develop in the beginning or middle of childhood. Following are the risk factors that may lead to H.pylori infection, including:
 

• A resident of the crowded place
• Receiving an unclean water supply
• Living in a developing country
• Living with people who already infected with an H.pylori infection

What happens during the H.pylori antigen stool test?

This test collects the stool sample to find the H.pylori infection. The stool antigen test checks for proteins (antigens) linked with H.pylori in the stool. Antigens are the substances that activate the response of your immune system. Following are the steps that are generally involved in collecting the stool sample:
 

• You need to wear rubber gloves during the collection of the stool sample.
• A healthcare provider will provide a specimen sample to collect the stool sample.
• If you are a parent and want to collect a stool sample from your child or baby, cover the baby’s diaper with plastic wrap.
• Avoid mixing urine, water, or toilet paper within the specimen sample.
• Tight the container
• Wear Off your gloves and wash your hands.
• Provide the specimen sample to your healthcare provider.

How do I need to prepare for this test?

No special preparation is required for this test. Inform your provider if you are using particular medicines for a long time. Your provider may ask you to stop these medicines.

What are the risks involved in this test?

No risks are involved in the stool antigen test.

What does the H.pylori antigen stool test result indicate?

A positive H.pylori antigen stool test shows that you have the signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer developed by H.pylori bacteria. A healthcare provider may recommend a group of antibiotics or medicines to eliminate the bacteria and reduce ulcer pain.
A negative test result tells that you may not have an H.pylori infection. If you have signs and symptoms, it may develop because of other reasons. You may need additional testing, such as a biopsy, to eliminate the infection if the symptoms remain present.

You can consult an online provider to understand your test result and receive treatment for H.pylori.

What other tests do I need to take along with this test?

A provider may ask for other samples with the stool test for H.pylori infection, which is as under:
 

• Blood test. This test is used to see antibodies in response to H.pylori infection.
• Breath test. This test is also known as the urea breath test. A urea breath test helps to observe infection by evaluating the specific substances in your breath.
• Stool Culture. This test checks for H.pylori bacteria in the stool.
• Endoscopy. This procedure helps your provider see your esophagus (a tube connected from your mouth to the stomach), stomach lining, and small intestine.