Helicobacter pylori Tests

Gastric Ulcer Test, H. pylori Test, Peptic Ulcer Test, Stomach Ulcer Test, Stool Antigen Test, Urea Breath Test

How To Prepare

Blood antibody test

You do not need to do anything before you have a blood antibody test.

Stool antigen test

Medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you take. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking some of your medicines.

• Do not take proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec or Nexium) for 2 weeks before the test.
• Do not take medicines containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) for 1 month before the test.

Stomach biopsy or urea breath test

Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before a breath test or a stomach biopsy.

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you take. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking some of your medicines.

• Do not take antibiotics for 1 month before the test.
• Do not take medicines containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) for 1 month before the test.
• Do not take proton pump inhibitors for 2 weeks before the test.
• Do not take H2 blockers, such as Pepcid, Zantac, Axid, or Tagamet, for 24 hours before the test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: January 6, 2010
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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