H. PYLORI ANTIBODY TEST

Description

H. pylori Antibody Test

An H. pylori antibody test is a blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in your blood.

• What is H. pylori?

  • H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect your stomach and upper part of your small intestine (duodenum).
  • Infection with H. pylori can cause various gastrointestinal problems, including:
    • Peptic ulcers (sores in the lining of your stomach or duodenum)
    • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
    • In some cases, stomach cancer

• How the Test Works:

  • When your body is infected with H. pylori, your immune system produces antibodies to fight the bacteria.
  • An H. pylori antibody test detects these antibodies in your blood.
  • The test usually involves a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm.

• Types of H. pylori Antibody Tests:

  • IgG Antibody Test: This test detects the presence of IgG antibodies, which are produced by the body after a long-term infection.
  • IgM Antibody Test: This test detects the presence of IgM antibodies, which are typically produced during a recent infection.

• Uses of the Test:

  • To diagnose H. pylori infection
  • To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for H. pylori infection

Important Considerations:

• Test Limitations:

  • A positive H. pylori antibody test may not always mean that you currently have an active infection, as antibodies can remain in your blood even after the infection has been treated.
  • A negative H. pylori antibody test does not always rule out an H. pylori infection.

• Interpretation of Results:

  • The interpretation of the test results should always be done by a healthcare professional.