Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA)

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Helicobacter pylori is bacteria that is found in the gastric and oral mucosa. H. pylori is associated with symptoms such as abdominal cramping, halitosis, heartburn and gastritis and has also been shown to be the leading cause of gastric ulcers.

H.pylori stool testing involves the detection of H. pylori antigens present in human stool samples. The H. pylori antigen test is a non-invasive test that utilizes the patient’s own immune response to confirm the presence of active infection.

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) stool antigen test is a non-invasive diagnostic method for assessing H. pylori infection.  H. pylori infection has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastro-duodenal diseases.  Eradication of the opportunistic pathogen is associated with reduced levels of gastroduodenal ulcers and gastric cancer.

This bacteria is quite common, particularly in developing countries.  The bacteria is thought to be present in the gastrointestinal tracts of as much as 50% of the world's population.  A great majority of these individuals will not manifest symptoms; however the presence of H. pylori has been shown to increase the risk of developing ulcers (peptic ulcer disease), chronic gastritis and gastric cancer.  H. pylori has the ability to decrease mucus production in the stomach, thereby promoting acid damage and peptic ulcers.

Stool Antigen Testing:

A stool antigen test can be used in order to assess the presence of H. pylori in the gastrointestinal tract.  The test is able to establish the presence of an active infection by analysing the sample for H. pylori antigens.  These are the antigens that are produced by the body's immune system in order to fight the infection.  The antigens assessed in the stool show a more reliable indicator of active infection as appose to an antigen blood test.  An antigen blood test would only indicate whether the patient has had an infection, not whether it is active.

Test Kit

After the practitioner has provided a request form, the patient can order their Helicobacter pylori stool kit online at befunctional.com.au/store. Each test kit contains full instructions.

Specimen Requirements

Stool Sample - Home Testing Kit

The test kits provided contain everything required to complete the test.

Patient Preparation

  • Patients must follow their usual diet prior to collecting a stool specimen
  • The stool specimen must be collected in the morning, where possible or the first bowel motion of the day
  • If the patient is currently taking antibiotics, only proceed with this collection two weeks after the patient can completed the course of probiotic therapy.
  • Natural laxatives can be used if constipation is a problem. This includes herbal and nutritional supplements. Do not use pharmaceutical laxatives as these medications can alter test results.
  • It is necessary to refrain from taking antacids, antibiotics or bismuth treatments for 14 days prior to completing the test.

Turnaround Time

The standard turnaround time for this test is 10-14 business days.

Price

$90.00

Additional $20.00 postage & handling fee applies to this test.

Payment

Prepayment is required when ordering test kit.

Code

HPF

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    Terms and Conditions of Service

    It is your responsibility to ensure you carefully follow all steps provided to ensure the health and safety of the couriers, postage workers, specimen reception and laboratory workers.

    There is no rebate offered through the Medicare Benefits Scheme for the kits available on the Australian Clinical Labs shopping cart. Some private health insurance companies may offer rebates, check with your health insurance provider for further details.

    You are responsible for selection the correct test through the online shopping portal, if you are unsure, confirm with your referring practitioner. If your kit arrives through the mail damaged, contact us immediately for a replacement – do not use or send back this kit.

    Australian Clinical Labs does issue refunds to unused tests for up to 6 months from purchase date, a cancellation fee of $30 applies to all kits. We do not issue refunds for kits purchased over 6 months prior to the refund request.

    All kits to be returned are to have the referral form included with the samples. Without this form, there will be no patient allocated to the results and the test will take longer to process.