H pylori Antigen
Doctor's Data
Sample type: Stool
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
This microorganism, which can be found on the stomach mucosa of infected people, causes very frequent and mostly silent infections that can produce gastritis, gastric ulcers and other serious pathologies. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive test directly measures the antigen in stool (not antibodies) and is used for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infections. It is also used for monitoring therapeutic efficacy during and after treatment.
- Helicobacter pylori
Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 4 to 6 days after the lab receives samples.
The awareness of Helicobacter pylori in gastrointestinal diseases has increased greatly since Marshall and Warren described the presence of Campylobacter-like organisms in the antral mucosa of patients with histological evidence of antrum gastritis and peptic ulcers, especially duodenal ulcers. The strong correlation between the presence of H. pylori and histologically confirmed gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma, as well as disease resolution after H. pylori eradication, indicates a causative relationship.
The ecological niche in humans appears to be restricted to the stomach and duodenum. Patients who harbor the organism are divided into two basic groups: a) colonized and b) infected. Patients who test positive for H. pylori yet have no signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "colonized." Patients who test positive for H. pylori and present with signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "infected." The process by which a colonized individual becomes infected remains unclear. The process by which patients become colonized is also still under investigation.
Direct detection requires that an invasive biopsy be taken from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The presence of H. pylori is then confirmed by direct microscopic examination, rapid urease testing or culturing of the organism from the biopsy material. This strategy has the advantage of being able to detect active infections while being highly specific with a very high positive predictive value. The invasive approach subjects the patient to unnecessary risk and discomfort.
In contrast, Doctor's Data, Inc. offers the non-invasive HpSA enzyme immunoassay (EIA), an in vitro qualitative procedure for the detection of H. pylori antigens in human stool. Test results can be used to diagnose H. pylori infection, and to monitor patient response during and post therapy. Current scientific literature indicates that testing to confirm eradication should be performed at least four weeks after the completion of therapy.
The ecological niche in humans appears to be restricted to the stomach and duodenum. Patients who harbor the organism are divided into two basic groups: a) colonized and b) infected. Patients who test positive for H. pylori yet have no signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "colonized." Patients who test positive for H. pylori and present with signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "infected." The process by which a colonized individual becomes infected remains unclear. The process by which patients become colonized is also still under investigation.
Direct detection requires that an invasive biopsy be taken from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The presence of H. pylori is then confirmed by direct microscopic examination, rapid urease testing or culturing of the organism from the biopsy material. This strategy has the advantage of being able to detect active infections while being highly specific with a very high positive predictive value. The invasive approach subjects the patient to unnecessary risk and discomfort.
In contrast, Doctor's Data, Inc. offers the non-invasive HpSA enzyme immunoassay (EIA), an in vitro qualitative procedure for the detection of H. pylori antigens in human stool. Test results can be used to diagnose H. pylori infection, and to monitor patient response during and post therapy. Current scientific literature indicates that testing to confirm eradication should be performed at least four weeks after the completion of therapy.
4–6 business days
- Add-on: Beta-glucuronidase
- Add-on: Calprotectin
- Add-on: Elastase
- Add-on: Lactoferrin
- Add-on: Lysozyme
- Add-on: Secretory IgA
- Add-on: Zonulin Family Protein
Please read all of the directions, and familiarize yourself with the collection
procedures.
If you are taking antifungal or antibiotic medications, please
finish the course of medication, and then wait three days before starting this
collection.
Please refrain from taking digestive enzymes, antacids, and aspirin
for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise
instructed by your physician.
Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
procedures.
If you are taking antifungal or antibiotic medications, please
finish the course of medication, and then wait three days before starting this
collection.
Please refrain from taking digestive enzymes, antacids, and aspirin
for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise
instructed by your physician.
Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
