It should be stressed that there are very many causes of indigestion from duodenal ulcer to gall stones to stomach cancer. Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is just one possible cause but it is easily diagnosed and treatable with antibiotics. Furthermore, as there is a link between H pylori infection and stomach cancer it is possible that effective treatment could reduce the risk of cancer.
H pylori is one of the world’s most common human bacterial infections. Many stomach and duodenal ulcers are due to H pylori and treating these conditions with a suitable antibiotic is more effective than conventional ulcer treatments.
The tests
The new Helicobacter stool test is now the recommended best non-invasive test. The blood test has been phased out for the following reasons. The blood test is good for detecting a first infection with Helicobacter but less effective for detecting when Helicobacter recurs after treatment. The blood test cannot differentiate an active infection from a previous / inactive infection. The stool (faeces) test is specific in diagnosing active / current infection and for checking if Helicobacter has been eradicated after treatment.
Drugs and the tests
Antibiotics, Bismuth, ulcer treatments including Omeprazole (Losec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Zoton), Pantoprazole (Protium), Rabeprazole sodium (Pariet)
and related drugs can interfere with the stool test so if you are taking any of these medications they should be discontinued for 2 weeks prior to the test. The test can be falsely negative if carried out while taking these drugs.
Antacids, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Famotidine (Pepcid), Nizatidine (Axid) and Ranitidine (Zantac) do not interfere with the stool test.
Test results
A positive stool test indicates that antibiotic treatment is required. Full details of action to be taken will be given in the event of a positive test; normally a visit to your GP to receive antibiotic treatment. Even if your test is negative if you have persistent indigestion you should report this to your doctor because other investigations may be required.
How the Helicobacter stool test works
Detection of an H pylori antigen (part of the Helicobacter bacteria) is possible from a stool sample. Oxford Screening provide a pack containing a stool sample pot that you return to Oxford Screening for testing and we email you the result back to you usually within 24 hours.
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