Test ID CAMPY Helicobacter pylori Culture
Useful For
Recovery of Helicobacter pylori from gastric specimens for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the organism
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
GID | Bacteria Identification | No | No |
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed and charged.
See Helicobacter pylori Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Conventional Culture Techniques
Reporting Name
Helicobacter pylori CultureSpecimen Type
VariesForms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Request Form (T244) (http://mayoweb.mayo.edu/sp-forms/mc0700-mc0799/mc0767.pdf).
Specimen must be received in laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
Specimen source is required; include the specific anatomic source.
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Gastric biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Acquire biopsied tissue; moisten with sterile saline.
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Gastric brushing or gastric aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Aspirate contents with a syringe.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL or 0.5 × 0.2 × 0.2-cm sized piece of tissue
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
Clinical Information
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium that may cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastric neoplasia. In adults of industrialized countries, an estimated 0.5% of the susceptible population becomes infected each year, although the incidence has been decreasing over time. The organism may asymptomatically colonize humans. In suspected Helicobacter pylori-associated disease, the noninvasive stool antigen or urea breath test is recommended. If patients fail to respond to treatment and antimicrobial resistance is suspected, a gastric biopsy, gastric brushings, or gastric aspirate may be cultured to attempt to recover the organism for antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess for resistance.
Reference Values
No growth after 7 days
Cautions
Culture-negative results may occur due to the fastidious nature of the organism. Delays in specimen transportation will decrease recovery of the organism. Culture should be set up as soon as possible following specimen collection. Antimicrobial therapy may render the culture negative.
Due to Helicobacter pylori's fastidious nature and slow growth, it may take 7 days to recover the organism and up to an additional 21 days to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing when requested.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
7 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87081-Helicobacter pylori culture
87077-Bacteria identification
87176-Tissue processing