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Test Code HPYLORISTOOL Stool Helicobactor pylori Ag

Important Note

It is estimated that half to two-thirds of the global population is infected with H. pylori (CDC, TechLab). The majority of those infected remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment (colonized individuals). A minority of infected individuals develop gastritis, and a fraction of those further develop gastric ulcers or gastric cancer. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection is endoscopy with biopsy – the biopsied tissue is tested for the presence of H. pylori by culture, histology, or rapid urease test. Under current guidelines, endoscopy is still recommended for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in patients with alarm symptoms (e.g. GI bleeding, sudden weight loss, excessive vomiting, anemia), or patients over the age of 55. However, for younger patients not exhibiting alarm symptoms, non‐invasive tests such as the urea breath test (UBT) or fecal antigen test are recommended for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Following completion of a treatment regimen of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it is recommended that patients be tested to verify eradication of H. pylori infection. Serum antibody tests are also available, but these are unable to distinguish between past and current infection. By detecting antigen present in fecal specimens, the H. PYLORI QUIK CHEK™ test allows for the non‐invasive detection of H. pylori when endoscopy is not required.

Infectious

Additional Codes

MEDITECH MNEMONIC:

HPYLORISTOOL

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:  

Fresh, unpreserved stool

 

Acceptable Specimen:

Samples in Cary Blair or C&S Transport Media

 

Reject:  Fecal specimens submitted in formalin or PVA

Transport Temperature/Stability

Transport Container:

Sterile Container

 

Preferred Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated (cold packs)

 

Specimen Stability:

Refrigerated:  96 hours

Ambient:  96 hours

Frozen:  14 days

Performing Laboratory

Willis-Knighton Medical Center

2600 Greenwood Road

Shreveport, LA  71103

Additional Test Information

LIMITATIONS:
1. The H. PYLORI QUIK CHEK™ test is used to detect H. pylori antigen in fecal specimens. The test confirms the presence of H. pylori antigen in the sample, and this information should be taken under consideration by the physician in conjunction with the clinical history and physical examination of the patient.
2. A negative test result does not preclude the possibility of the presence of H. pylori antigen in the specimen which may occur if the level of antigen is below the detection limit of the test.
3. False negative results may occur if a patient has used antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or bismuth compounds in the 14 days prior to fecal sample collection, as these medications are known to inhibit H. pylori. In these cases, a new fecal sample should be collected and tested 14 days after treatment has stopped. Positive results from patients that have used antibiotics, PPIs, or bismuth compounds in the 14 days prior to fecal sample collection are still considered accurate.
4. The H. PYLORI QUIK CHEK™ test is qualitative. The intensity of the color should not be interpreted quantitatively.
6. No data exists on the effects of colonic washes, barium enemas, laxatives, or bowel preparations on the performance of the H. PYLORI QUIK CHEK™ test. These procedures can result in extensive dilution or the presence of additives that may affect test performance.