Faeces Collection for H. Pylori Antigen

Purpose of this test

This test is used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach inflammation. It may also be used to check whether the bacteria have been eradicated after treatment.

Equipment

1 x Brown or White Specimen Container and a biohazard bag.
Available from any Clinical Labs collection centre or your doctor.

General instructions

An appointment is not required. Fasting is not required.
Smoking is not known to affect results.
Compliance with drug therapy cessation is required. See below.

Preparation for the test

The medications listed below should NOT be taken prior to the test. Consult your doctor before stopping any medications.

Exclusion Period	Type of Medication	Generic Name	Trade Names
Four Weeks	Antibiotics	All Antibiotics except Vancomycin and Sulphonamides	Bactrim, Septrin, etc.
Four Weeks	Ingredient in antacids, antidiarrheal & GI medication	Bismuth	Denol, Helldac
14 Days	Cytoprotectives	Sucralfate	Carafate, Ulcyte, SCF
7 Days	Proton Pump Inhibitors	Lanozaprole, Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole	Zoton, Pariet, Losec, Losec IV, Maxor, Nexium, Somac

NOTE: Testing for cure or eradication of H. pylori should only be performed at least 4 weeks after completion of antibiotic therapy, not sooner.

Procedure

Collect a random stool specimen (about walnut-sized) in a brown or white sterile faecal container.
Clearly label the container with your surname, first given name, date of birth, and date and time of collection.
Keep the specimen at room temperature.
Return the specimen to any Clinical Labs collection centre on the same day as collection.

NOTE: The collection staff are required to check your details (surname, first given name, date of birth, and the date and time of collection on the container label) against the pathology request form to ensure the sample is matched to the doctor’s request. This is done to ensure the safety and security of reporting your test results.

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