Helicobacter pylori ( H. Pylori) Antigen Stool Test

What the test does

The stool antigen test detects Helicobacter pylori proteins (antigens) in the patient’s stool.
It confirms whether an active infection is present — unlike antibody blood tests (which stay positive long after infection).

It’s one of the two preferred diagnostic methods (the other is the urea breath test).

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📋 Collection process (LabCorp PSC version)

1. Collection Kit
   The LabCorp Patient Service Center (PSC) provides a small sterile stool collection vial and instructions.

   • The patient collects a pea-sized stool sample at home (avoid urine contamination).

   • Keep it refrigerated (not frozen) until drop-off.

   • Return the sample to any LabCorp PSC within 24 hours.

2. Preparation (very important)
   To avoid false negatives:

   • Stop antibiotics, bismuth (Pepto-Bismol), and PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) for 2 weeks before testing.

   • H2 blockers (like famotidine) are okay.

   • If recently treated for H. pylori, wait at least 4 weeks post-treatment before testing.

3. Timing

   • Once the specimen is received, results usually post within 1–3 business days.

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🧾 Result interpretation

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🔁 For follow-up or test-of-cure

Reorder this same test 4+ weeks after therapy completion to confirm eradication.