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Test ID HPSA Helicobacter pylori Antigen, Feces

Useful For

As an aid in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori

 

Monitoring the eradication of Helicobacter pylori after therapy (in most situations, confirmation of eradication is not mandatory)

 

The utility of this test in asymptomatic individuals is not known, but testing for Helicobacter pylori in such individuals is not generally recommended

Testing Algorithm

See Helicobacter pylori Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Method Name

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Reporting Name

Helicobacter pylori Ag, F

Specimen Type

Fecal

Collection Container/Tube: Stool container

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic container

Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 g

Collection Instructions: Mix stool well.

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)

General Test Request Form (T239) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/general-request-form.pdf)

Specimen Minimum Volume

5 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fecal Frozen (preferred) 60 days
  Refrigerated  48 hours

Clinical Information

Helicobacter pylori is well recognized as the cause of chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and nonulcer dyspepsia.

 

Currently accepted methods for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection include, the urea breath test (UBT), and culture or histologic examination or direct urease testing (CLO test) of biopsy specimens obtained at the time of gastroduodenoscopy (ENDO). Each of these tests has its drawbacks, including lack of specificity (serology) or high cost, complexity, and inconvenience for the patient (UBT and ENDO).

 

See Helicobacter pylori Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Reference Values

Negative

Cautions

Stool must be mixed thoroughly to ensure representative sampling.

 

This is a qualitative, not a quantitative, test.

 

Falsely negative results may be obtained within 2 weeks of treatment with antimicrobials, bismuth, or proton pump inhibitors. A negative test result in such a situation should be followed up with a repeat test at least 2 weeks after discontinuing therapy.

 

Interfering Substances: The following substances that may be present in human stool, DO NOT interfere with positive or negative test results at the stated concentrations per 500 microliters of human stool: TUMS (10 mg), Mylanta (0.84 mg), Pepto Bismol ( 0.35 mg), Tagamet (1 mg), Prilosec OTC (1 mg), barium sulfate (10 mg), whole blood (100 microliters), mucin (6.7 mg), human hemoglobin (ie, dark stool) (15 mg), steric + palmitic acids (ie, fatty stool) (7.9 mg).

 

Performance characteristics of the test have not been established for watery, diarrheal stools.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday; Varies

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87338

NY State Approved

Yes