Helicobacter pylori test

Helicobacter pylori (HP) tests are used to detect HP infection in the stomach and duodenum. Common testing methods include: Blood antibody test: This test checks for the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood. However, it can produce false-negative results. A positive result indicates that the patient may have been infected with HP in the past or is currently infected, but it cannot distinguish the specific infection status. Therefore, this test has certain limitations and is primarily used for epidemiological surveys of HP infection. Urea breath test: This involves orally administering 13C or 14C-labeled urea and then detecting the exhaled gas. It is simple, fast, accurate, and non-invasive. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection and evaluating the effectiveness of HP eradication, and it is widely used in clinical practice. Stool antigen test: Stool antigen detection is a non-invasive test suitable for all ages, especially infants, young children, and individuals with mental disorders. It can be used for HP infection, evaluating the effectiveness of HP eradication, and large-scale epidemiological surveys. Gastric biopsy: This involves taking tissue samples through gastroscopy to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Due to the uneven distribution of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach or the small number and limited sites of gastric mucosal biopsy specimens, false-negative results can occur. Individuals with a high suspicion of HP infection should undergo a combined examination with the breath test.