Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies Test-Why am I having this test?

Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies Test is used to check for a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori can be found in the cells that line the stomach. Having high levels of H. pylori in your stomach puts you at risk for:

• Stomach ulcers and small bowel ulcers.
• Long-term (chronic) inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
• Ulcers in the part of the body that moves food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).
• Stomach cancer if the infection is not treated.

Most people with H. pylori in their stomach have no symptoms. Your health care provider may ask you to have this test if you have symptoms of a stomach ulcer or small bowel ulcer, such as stomach pain before or after eating, heartburn, or nausea after eating.

What is being tested?

This test checks your blood for antibodies to the H. pylori bacteria. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight germs and infection. The test checks for antibodies that the immune system produces in response to infection with H. pylori.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

Tell a health care provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values that are categorized as positive, negative, or equivocal. Equivocal means that your results are neither positive nor negative. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges for the two types of antibodies that may be tested are:

• IgG antibodies:
  • Less than 0.75 units/mL. This is negative.
  • Greater than or equal to 1 unit/mL. This is positive.
  • 0.75–0.99 units/mL. This is equivocal.
• IgM antibodies:
  • Less than or equal to 30 units/mL. This is negative.
  • Greater than or equal to 40 units/mL. This is positive.
  • 30.01–39.99 units/mL. This is equivocal.

What do the results mean?

Test results that are higher than normal, or positive, may indicate various health conditions, such as:

• Short-term or long-term irritation of the stomach lining (gastritis).
• Small bowel ulcer.
• Stomach ulcer.
• Stomach cancer.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• This test is used to check for a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Having high levels of H. pylori in your stomach puts you at risk for ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract or stomach cancer.
• This test checks your blood for antibodies to the H. pylori bacteria.
• Most people with H. pylori in their stomach have no symptoms. Your health care provider may ask you to have this test if you have symptoms of a stomach ulcer or small bowel ulcer, such as stomach pain before or after eating, heartburn, or nausea after eating.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.