Helicobacter Antibody Panel
Helicobacter Antibody Panel
The Helicobacter Antibody Panel comprises tests based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology to measure the levels of antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG)against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the blood.
H. pylori is a bacteria that infects the stomach to cause gastritis, peptic ulcers and, in some cases, stomach cancer in the long term.
Often, people who have H. pylori infection never develop symptoms. Yet when symptoms do arise, it typically indicates stomach inflammation, which triggers the production of antibodies (especially IgM, IgA and IgG)against the bacterium. Some antibodies (IgG)might persist at elevated levels for many years, even if the infection has been fully healed after treatment.
The H. pylori Antibody Panel can identify all these antibodies to help clinicians monitor H.pylori infection while making individual patient management decisions
What is Helicobacter Antibody Panel Used For? (Calibri 12)
H. pylori Antibody Panel test is mainly performed
To diagnose current or previous infection of H pylori in patients with gastric and duodenal disease
To assess the risk of developing stomach cancer and peptic ulcer in individuals with a family history of the disease
Which Tests are Included in the Helicobacter Antibody Panel?
The Helicobacter Antibody panel has three tests. These are:
Helicobacter pylori IgA
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This test is used to detect the titers of IgA antibodies to H.pylori to screen for the active infection and cause of digestive problems
Helicobacter pylori IgG
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This test is more reliable in detecting H. pylori infection in symptomatic patients
Helicobacter pylori IgM:
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This test is performed concomitantly with H pylori IgA and IgG tests for accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Symptoms of H. pylori infection
Get yourself tested if you see the following symptoms:Get yourself tested if you see the following symptoms:
Chronic pain and burning sensation in the stomach
Feeling of fullness or swelling in the belly
Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion
Loss of Appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent belching (burping)
Dark colored stool
Test preparation
The tests involved in the panel do not require any special preparation. Although, you might have to stop taking antibiotics( if possible) at least 4 weeks before the test to get accurate results
Interpretation of the Test Results
The following is an overview of the results you will receive when ordering Helicobacter Antibody Panel testing:
- Positive Result
This report means the presence of detectable antibodies(IgM, IgA and IgG)against H.pylori, suggesting an individual has been exposed or may have an active H.pylori infection.
- Negative Result:
This result indicates the absence of H.pylori infection, although it does not always rule out active H. pylori infection
FAQs
In what situations is antibody testing for H. pylori infection recommended?
Antibody testing for H.pylori is often recommended if the patient has one of the following :
- Symptoms related to peptic ulcer disease
- Past history of documented peptic ulcer disease
- chronic gastritis
- stomach cancer
- un-investigated indigestion issue (age < 45-55 years, and no alarming symptoms)
history of long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
What does it mean if I have H. pylori antibodies?
While antibodies indicate exposure to or active Helicobacter pylori infection, a confirmed diagnosis can only be made by taking other clinical findings and other diagnostic procedures into the context
What factors can affect the reliability of H. pylori antibody test results?
Patients treated with colloidal bismuth, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can have lower loads of H. pylori, which may negatively affect IgA and IgM levels in the blood. Moreover, past infections with H. pylori can affect your results, giving you false positives
. Are there any risks to testing?
There is no known risk of having blood testing done for the H.pylori Antibody panel
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