Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterium that infects the stomach lining. It can cause gastrointestinal issues like chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and peptic ulcers. Long-term infection is also associated with an increased risk of certain stomach cancers.
Understanding At-Home H. pylori Tests
At-home tests for H. pylori typically use non-invasive methods. One common type is the stool antigen test, which identifies specific proteins (antigens) from H. pylori in a stool sample. Users collect a specimen at home, which is then analyzed in a lab or with a rapid test strip. These tests use antibodies to detect the antigens.
Another method is the urea breath test, relying on H. pylori’s ability to produce the enzyme urease. After ingesting a solution containing labeled urea, urease breaks it down into ammonia and labeled carbon dioxide. This labeled carbon dioxide is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled. Collecting breath samples before and after ingestion, the presence of labeled carbon dioxide indicates an active infection.
Accuracy and Considerations for At-Home Tests
The reliability of at-home H. pylori tests can vary, and they are generally considered screening tools rather than definitive diagnostic instruments. Factors influencing accuracy include recent antibiotic use, which can suppress H. pylori levels and cause false negatives. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications, which reduce stomach acid, can also lower bacterial loads and interfere with test sensitivity.
Improper sample collection can compromise accuracy. Following manufacturer instructions precisely for sample collection and handling is important. At-home tests may also produce false positive results, though less common. Therefore, a positive result usually requires confirmation with a professional diagnostic method.
Professional H. pylori Testing
Healthcare professionals employ several highly accurate methods to diagnose H. pylori infection. The urea breath test (UBT) performed in a clinical setting is a reliable non-invasive option, similar in principle to the at-home version but often with more controlled conditions and precise measurement. Stool antigen tests conducted in a laboratory are also highly sensitive and specific for detecting active infection. Both UBT and laboratory-based stool antigen tests are preferred for confirming eradication after treatment.
Blood tests, which detect antibodies to H. pylori, are another diagnostic tool. However, these tests can only indicate exposure to the bacterium, not necessarily an active infection, as antibodies can remain in the bloodstream for a long time even after the infection has cleared.
The most definitive diagnostic method is an upper endoscopy with biopsy. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted to visualize the stomach lining and collect tissue samples. These biopsy samples can then be tested for H. pylori using rapid urease tests, histology, or culture, providing an accurate diagnosis and allowing for assessment of any associated damage like ulcers or inflammation.
Next Steps After At-Home Testing
Regardless of the result obtained from an at-home H. pylori test, consulting a healthcare professional is an important next step. If an at-home test yields a positive result, a doctor can confirm the infection using more accurate clinical diagnostic methods and discuss appropriate treatment options. Professional confirmation helps ensure the diagnosis is correct and that any underlying conditions are properly addressed.
Even if an at-home test returns a negative result, but symptoms persist, seeking medical advice remains important. A healthcare provider can evaluate ongoing symptoms to rule out other potential causes or recommend further investigation. Self-treating based solely on an at-home test result is not recommended, as H. pylori eradication typically requires a specific combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications, and improper treatment can lead to antibiotic resistance or treatment failure.