Quick Facts
- Sample: Stool sample collected at home using the GI360 test kit
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 8–10 business days.May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Note: This is an add-on test to the GI360 stool test kit and must be ordered with a compatible Doctor’s Data stool collection kit.
Benefits
- Non-invasive detection — Identifies Helicobacter pylori antigen directly in stool without requiring endoscopy or biopsy
- Active infection testing — Detects current infection by measuring bacterial antigen, not antibodies
- Treatment monitoring — Helps confirm whether therapy successfully eliminated the infection
- Early disease detection — Identifies infections associated with gastritis, stomach ulcers, and gastric cancer
- Convenient testing — Uses the same stool sample collected for GI360 testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing chronic stomach pain, bloating, or indigestion
- People with suspected gastritis or peptic ulcers
- Patients with persistent acid reflux or upper abdominal discomfort
- Individuals who recently completed treatment for H. pylori infection
- People undergoing comprehensive digestive health testing with the GI360 kit
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Collect sample — Provide stool sample using your GI360 collection kit
- Lab analysis — Doctor’s Data performs an enzyme immunoassay to detect H. pylori antigen
- Get results — Access secure online results within approximately 8–10 business days
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? This test detects antigens from Helicobacter pylori bacteria present in stool. The presence of these antigens indicates an active infection.
What is Helicobacter pylori? H. pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining. It is strongly associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and increased risk of stomach cancer.
How is this different from antibody testing? Antibody tests detect past exposure, while this stool antigen test identifies active infection by measuring bacterial proteins directly.
Why is this test considered non-invasive? Traditional diagnosis often requires endoscopy and biopsy of stomach tissue. This test instead analyzes a stool sample collected at home.
When should eradication be confirmed after treatment? Clinical guidelines recommend testing at least four weeks after completing treatment to confirm that the infection has been eliminated.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting is required for this test.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The H. pylori Antigen Stool Test detects Helicobacter pylori antigens in stool using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). This method identifies active infection by detecting bacterial proteins rather than antibodies produced by the immune system.
H. pylori infection is extremely common and may remain asymptomatic for years. However, it is strongly associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric carcinoma. Detecting the organism early can help guide treatment and prevent complications.
Why is H. pylori testing important?
Research first described H. pylori colonization of the stomach in patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Studies later confirmed a strong link between the bacterium and:
• Chronic gastritis
• Peptic ulcers (especially duodenal ulcers)
• Gastric cancer
• Mucosal inflammation of the stomach and duodenum
Eradicating the infection often leads to resolution of these conditions.
Why stool antigen testing is preferred
Traditional diagnostic methods often require an upper GI endoscopy and stomach biopsy. While highly accurate, these procedures are invasive and carry some risk.
The Doctor’s Data stool antigen test offers a non-invasive alternative that can:
• Detect active infection
• Confirm eradication after therapy
• Avoid endoscopy in many cases
Related tests you may consider
GI360 Stool Test — A comprehensive stool analysis that evaluates gut microbiome balance, pathogens, parasites, digestive function, and inflammation markers.
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) — Evaluates digestive enzymes, gut bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory markers to identify underlying causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.
