How to Test for the H. Pylori Antibody

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that resides in the stomach. It is responsible for 80 percent of all ulcers, according to WebMD. It is not known how the bacteria is spread, but doctors believe H. pylori can be obtained through food and water. Twenty percent of people under 40 are infected, while 50 percent of adults over 60 are infected, WebMD states. If you test positive, you will need to take a cocktail of antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria. Doctors can test for H. pylori four different ways.

Instructions

Blood Test

• 1

  Schedule an appointment to get your blood drawn for the H. pylori test.

• 2

  Go to your doctor's office or laboratory.

• 3

  Allow your doctor to draw blood and then report back to you when the results come in.

Urea Breath Test

• 4

  Stop taking antibiotics and medicine with bismuth at least one month before the test.

• 5

  Stop taking proton pump inhibitor medication at least two weeks before the test.

• 6

  Stop taking all antacid medicine at least 24 hours before the test and do not eat or drink at least six hours before the test.

• 7

  Go to the doctor's office and blow into the urea breath test bag to give your sample.

Stomach Biopsy

• 8

  Stop taking antibiotics and medicine with bismuth at least one month before the test.

• 9

  Stop taking proton pump inhibitor medication at least two weeks before the test.

• 10

  Stop taking all antacid medicine at least 24 hours before the test and do not eat or drink at least six hours before the test, where you will be placed under general anesthesia and your doctor will take a small tissue sample.

Stool Test

• 11

  Stop taking medicine with bismuth in it at least one month before you give your sample.

• 12

  Stop taking proton pump inhibitors two weeks before you give your sample.

• 13

  Collect your stool as per your doctor's instructions and deliver the sample when you are ready.