Repeat testing after treatment is important to be sure H. pylori is gone. Tests may be done using a stool sample, through a breath test and by an upper endoscopy exam. Stool antigen test. This is the most common stool test to detect H. pylori. The test looks for proteins (antigens) associated with H. pylori infection in the stool. Stool PCR test.
These tests diagnose H. pylori, a type of bacteria that mainly infects the stomach.
≤1.7 for a negative result, 1.8 to 2.2 for an equivocal result, and ≥2.3 for a positive
Test result interpretation
The H. pylori IgG quantitative (Qt) test measures the level of IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the blood. Here's how to interpret the test results:
Normal Range:
The normal range for H. pylori IgG antibody levels may vary slightly between laboratories. It is typically expressed in international units per milliliter (IU/mL) or arbitrary units.
Positive Result:
A positive H. pylori IgG quantitative test result indicates the presence of detectable levels of IgG antibodies against H. pylori.
Interpretation:
A positive result suggests current or past exposure to H. pylori bacteria.
However, the presence of IgG antibodies does not necessarily indicate active infection, as antibodies may persist in the blood for an extended period after the infection has been cleared.
Further diagnostic testing may be required to confirm active infection, such as urea breath test (UBT), stool antigen test, or upper endoscopy with biopsy for histological examination.
Negative Result:
A negative H. pylori IgG quantitative test result indicates that IgG antibodies against H. pylori were not detected or were below the assay's detection limit.
Interpretation:
A negative result suggests no detectable levels of IgG antibodies against H. pylori.
It may indicate the absence of current or past exposure to H. pylori, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of infection, especially if the test is performed during the early stages of infection or in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Quantitative Results:
Quantitative results provide the level of IgG antibodies against H. pylori, typically expressed in IU/mL or arbitrary units.
Higher antibody levels may indicate recent or ongoing infection, while lower levels may suggest past exposure or a lower degree of immune response.
Clinical Correlation:
Interpretation of H. pylori IgG quantitative test results should be done in conjunction with clinical findings, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.
Additional testing may be necessary to confirm the presence of active infection and assess the need for treatment.