What is the H. Pylori Ab Qualitative Test?
The H. Pylori Ab Test (Helicobacter pylori antibody test) is a blood test that determines antibodies that are produced by the immune system and are specific to an H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a bacterial pathogen that affects the stomach and is the leading cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer.
It is useful in determining whether an individual has ever been infected with H. pylori or whether the person has an active infection. Nevertheless, it does not distinguish between past and present infections as antibodies may persist in the blood for months or years even after the bacteria are eliminated.
How is the Test Performed?
Pylori Ab Qualitative is a simple test requiring a small amount of blood sample
Preparation
- No special preparations are required for the test.
- It is advised to inform your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking.
Collection
- The procedure is minimally invasive and requires blood withdrawal from the vein using a needle.
Lab Analysis
- Highly sensitive techniques are used to analyze the sample for the presence of H.pylori antibodies such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Your healthcare professional may suggest an H. Pylori Ab Qualitative test if you have symptoms of H. pylori infection or are prone to gastrointestinal tract diseases. The common symptoms include:
General Symptoms
- Pain in the stomach
- Acid reflux
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Burping excessively
- Blood in vomit or stool
People with a history of peptic ulcer or with a family history of gastric cancer may also be told to undergo this test. It can help avoid the complications that are linked to H. pylori infection if it is caught early.
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The results of H. pylori Ab qualitative test is reported as follows;
Negative – Absence of H.pylori antibodies in the blood
Positive – Presence of H.pylori antibodies in the blood
**A positive result does not indicate an active infection as antibodies remain in the blood for a longer period even after the infection has subsided..**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
f the test is positive, your healthcare provider may suggest other tests to establish whether the infection is current and requires management. The most frequent follow-up tests include:
- Pylori Stool Antigen Test – A direct method of detecting current H. pylori infection through the presence of bacterial antigens in the stool.
- Urea Breath Test – A non-invasive method of detecting active infection by measuring the urease activity in the stomach.
- Endoscopy with Biopsy – Used for patients with severe symptoms or those who are at high risk of developing gastric cancer.
Treatment of an active H. pylori infection is usually with antibiotics and PPIs to kill the bacteria and allow the stomach ulcer to heal. Patients who have had a past history of H. pylori infection but have no symptoms of an active infection may not need treatment right away.
