subject: The Helicobacter Pylori test [print this page] The Helicobacter Pylori test The Helicobacter Pylori test
Helicobacter Pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium which causes infection in the stomach. The infection manifests itself through various symptoms such as the development of gastritis, inflammatory conditions and bleeding ulcers. Proper diagnosis and cure involve detection of the organism which in turn calls for certain pathological tests. Helicobacter pylori test involves certain pathological processes which serve to detect the presence of the bacterium.
Known commonly as the blood antigen test', a test is taken to detect the existence of antibody in blood. The existence of antibody to the given bacterium of Helicobacter Pylori points to the presence of the same in the blood sample. Thus a blood test may be a possible pointer to infection caused by the organism. An infection caused currently and previously may be pointed out by the Helicobacter pylori test checking for antibodies.
The second one involves a stool test. It is commonly referred to as the stool antigen test.,' where the stool sample is tested for the presence of antigens. If one is infected with the given bacteria certain antigens will be released by the immune system to fight the infection. Thus the presence of such substances or antigen may be indicated by the stool test. As far as the blood and stool tests are concerned one should not go for them immediately after the completion of the prescribed medication. Two weeks to one month's time should be given following the treatment involving anti biotins or medicines having bismuth. In other words, one should avoid resorting to any kinds of medication while undergoing the tests because medication may affect the reliability of such tests.
The same is true for the Helicobacter pylori test involving the use of Urea. Pathologically known as the urea breath test, it involves the use of a kit where a patient is required to swallow a tablet. The tablet offers urea in the form of radioactive or non radioactive Carbon. In half an hours time the exhaled breathe is examined for the presence of urease- an enzyme necessary for the metabolism of H Pylori bacteria. Care should be taken to avoid antacids before testing for urease.
While the above mentioned tests can merely point to the success of treatments, possibility of an inflammation or an ulcer and its condition may be pointed out by endoscope which is also followed by a culture of the stomach lining. Endoscopy should be conducted on empty stomach, with patient fasting for six hours. Endoscopy has been claimed to be the most reliable testing method in this regard.
