H-Pylori-Antigen-stool H-Pylori-Antigen-stool
H. Pylori Antigen; stool H. Pylori Antigen; stool H. Pylori Antigen; stool

H. Pylori Antigen; stool

This microorganism, which can be found on the stomach mucosa of infected people, causes very frequent and mostly silent infections that can produce gastritis, gastric ulcers and other serious pathologies. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive test directly measures the antigen in stool (not antibodies) and is used for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infections. It is also used for monitoring therapeutic efficacy during and after treatment. [ LEARN MORE]

Useful for:

    Turnaround Time

    4 to 6 days

    Note: Turnaround times on results are an estimate and are not guaranteed. The lab may need additional time due to holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, etc. You can contact us to discuss when your results should be ready.

    Analytes Tested

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    Analyte
    CPT
    ABN Required
    H. Pylori Antigen; stool
    87338
    Yes

    List price applies when filing with insurance or Medicare, or when billing a patient directly. Prompt payment pricing applies when billing to a physician account or prepayment is received with the test.

    Doctor's Data offers profiles containing multiple analytes. *Multiple analytes may be billed under a single CPT code. Many analytes can be ordered individually. Pricing may vary. Click on a specific analyte for more information or read our detailed billing and payment policies.

    The CPT codes listed on our website are for informational purposes only. This information is our interpretation of CPT coding requirements and may not necessarily be correct. You are advised to consult the CPT Coding Manual published by the American Medical Association. Doctor's Data, Inc. takes no responsibility for billing errors due to your use of any CPT information from our website.

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    Detailed Information

    The awareness of Helicobacter pylori in gastrointestinal diseases has increased greatly since Marshall and Warren described the presence of Campylobacter-like organisms in the antral mucosa of patients with histological evidence of antrum gastritis and peptic ulcers, especially duodenal ulcers. The strong correlation between the presence of H. pylori and histologically confirmed gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma, as well as disease resolution after H. pylori eradication, indicates a causative relationship.

    The ecological niche in humans appears to be restricted to the stomach and duodenum. Patients who harbor the organism are divided into two basic groups: a) colonized and b) infected. Patients who test positive for H. pylori yet have no signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "colonized." Patients who test positive for H. pylori and present with signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal disease are considered "infected." The process by which a colonized individual becomes infected remains unclear. The process by which patients become colonized is also still under investigation.

    Direct detection requires that an invasive biopsy be taken from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The presence of H. pylori is then confirmed by direct microscopic examination, rapid urease testing or culturing of the organism from the biopsy material. This strategy has the advantage of being able to detect active infections while being highly specific with a very high positive predictive value. The invasive approach subjects the patient to unnecessary risk and discomfort.

    In contrast, Doctor's Data, Inc. offers the non-invasive HpSA enzyme immunoassay (EIA), an in vitro qualitative procedure for the detection of H. pylori antigens in human stool. Test results can be used to diagnose H. pylori infection, and to monitor patient response during and post therapy. Current scientific literature indicates that testing to confirm eradication should be performed at least four weeks after the completion of therapy.