Test name
- ქართულად
- ჰელიკობაქტერ პილორი (H. pylori)
- English
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Русский
- Хеликобактер пилори (H. pylori)
What does the test measure?
H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the stomach lining. It is a frequent cause of gastritis and stomach or duodenal ulcers. Testing can be done by breath, stool antigen or blood.
Why is it ordered?
It is ordered for heartburn, stomach pain, ulcers or long-standing dyspepsia, and after treatment to confirm eradication.
How should I prepare?
For breath and stool tests, stop proton-pump inhibitors for 2 weeks and antibiotics for 4 weeks beforehand (on your doctor’s advice).
How is the sample collected and stored?
Depending on the method — a breath sample, a stool sample or a blood draw. All methods cause minimal discomfort.
What does the result mean?
A positive result indicates active or past infection. An active infection requires antibiotic therapy. A gastroenterologist interprets the result.