Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection that resides in the stomach lining and can lead to various digestive issues, including gastritis and peptic ulcers. Recognizing its presence is an important step in managing gastrointestinal health. For convenient testing, H. pylori tests are available at CVS, typically as at-home kits.
The CVS H. Pylori Test
CVS offers at-home H. pylori test kits, primarily utilizing either stool antigen tests or urea breath tests. These non-invasive methods allow individuals to collect samples comfortably at home. Stool antigen tests work by detecting specific proteins (antigens) produced by the H. pylori bacteria in a stool sample. Urea breath tests, on the other hand, identify H. pylori by measuring carbon dioxide levels in breath samples after ingesting a special solution.
The process for these at-home kits is straightforward. For a stool antigen test, you collect a small sample of your stool using a provided collection device. This sample is then sealed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. For a urea breath test, you typically provide an initial breath sample, then consume a specialized liquid containing a tagged carbon molecule, and provide a second breath sample after a short waiting period. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the ingested substance, releasing the tagged carbon that is then detected in your exhaled breath.
Instructions accompanying these kits often advise avoiding certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and bismuth preparations, for a period before testing, as these can interfere with test accuracy. Following the kit’s specific instructions for sample collection and preparation is important for reliable results. The convenience of acquiring these tests from CVS allows for discreet and accessible screening for H. pylori.
Understanding Your Results
Interpreting at-home H. pylori test results involves understanding what a positive or negative indication means. A positive result generally indicates the presence of an active H. pylori infection. Conversely, a negative result suggests that no current H. pylori infection was detected.
While at-home tests are designed for convenience and generally offer good accuracy, they can sometimes produce false negatives or false positives. Factors such as not following instructions precisely or the prior use of certain medications can influence the outcome. It is important to consider these tests as initial screening tools rather than definitive diagnostic measures. Regardless of the result, consulting with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance is always recommended.
Navigating Post-Test Actions
The next steps after receiving your H. pylori test results depend on the outcome. If your at-home test indicates a positive result, promptly schedule an appointment with a doctor for confirmation and to discuss treatment options. A healthcare professional can perform confirmatory tests and determine the most appropriate course of action, which typically involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and other medications to help the stomach lining heal. Untreated H. pylori infection can lead to complications such as peptic ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
If your test result is negative, but you continue to experience digestive symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms could indicate other underlying causes that require medical investigation and diagnosis. Sharing your at-home test results with your doctor, whether positive or negative, provides valuable information for a comprehensive understanding of your health. A doctor can then guide you through appropriate follow-up care, which might include additional testing or exploring other potential conditions.