Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | H. pylori Stool Test, Stool Antigen Test (SAT), HpSA, H. pylori Faecal Antigen Test, H. pylori EIA, H. pylori ICT |
| Sample Type | Stool (fresh random sample, approximately 2 grams) |
| Fasting Required | No, but certain medications must be avoided before the test |
| Report Time | Same day to 1 to 3 days; rapid formats may deliver results within 10 to 30 minutes |
| Recommended For | All ages; adults and children with gastrointestinal symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,650 |
What Is a Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test?
The H. pylori stool test detects proteins from the Helicobacter pylori bacterium directly in a stool sample. It is prescribed when a doctor suspects a stomach infection caused by H. pylori, particularly in patients experiencing persistent digestive discomfort. Also called the Stool Antigen Test (SAT) or H. pylori faecal antigen test, it uses a small stool sample and does not require a blood draw or invasive procedure.
What Does a Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test Measure?
The H. pylori EIA and H. pylori ICT formats of this test both look for the same thing: H. pylori antigens in the stool. Antigens are proteins linked to a specific bacterium that signal an active, ongoing infection rather than a past one.
Here is what the test analyses:
| Component | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| H. pylori Antigen | Whether proteins from the H. pylori bacterium are present in the stool sample |
A positive result means antigens were found, indicating active infection. A negative result means no antigens were detected at the time of testing.
Why Is a Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test Done?
This test is ordered when a patient shows signs of a stomach infection or when a doctor needs to confirm whether earlier treatment has cleared the bacteria.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the H. pylori stool test if you experience any of the following:
- Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach area, particularly when the stomach is empty
- Persistent bloating and excess gas
- Feeling of fullness or swelling in the belly
- Frequent nausea, vomiting or indigestion
- Repeated belching
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify conditions linked to H. pylori infection. These include:
- Chronic gastritis (ongoing inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Peptic ulcers (open sores in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine)
- Duodenal ulcers (H. pylori is associated with more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers)
- Gastric MALT lymphoma (a type of lymphoma affecting the stomach)
- Increased risk of stomach cancer in long-term, untreated cases
Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is also used to check whether treatment for H. pylori has worked. It can confirm that the infection has been cleared after a course of antibiotics or other prescribed therapy. For the most accurate result, testing should be done at least four weeks after completing treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but a few steps are important to ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the H. pylori stool test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of sample collection. However, you may be advised not to take laxatives, antacids or anti-diarrheal medication for at least two weeks to a month. Speak to your doctor before stopping any medicines.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before collecting your sample:
- Stop antibiotics and bismuth preparations at least four weeks before the test
- Stop proton pump inhibitors (medicines that reduce stomach acid) and sucralfate at least two weeks before the test
- Collect the sample in the sterile container provided by the laboratory
- Keep the sample free from contamination by water or urine
- If you cannot submit the sample immediately, store it in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C; it remains usable for up to three days
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is simple and can be done at home or at a collection centre. Here is what to expect:
- Collect a sterile container from the laboratory or your home collection kit.
- Pass a small stool sample naturally and collect approximately 2 grams (roughly the size of a thumbnail) into the container.
- Mix the sample thoroughly inside the container to ensure it is representative.
- Seal the container tightly and write your name and the collection date on the label.
- Keep the sample refrigerated if you are not submitting it right away.
- Hand over the sealed container to the phlebotomist or drop it at the collection centre as instructed.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may affect how reliable your result is:
- Recent use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth-containing medications (can cause a false negative)
- Watery stools due to diarrhoea or very hard stools from severe constipation (not validated for accurate testing)
- Delay in sample transport or improper storage
- Testing too soon after completing treatment (less than four weeks post-therapy)
Understanding Your Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test Results
Your result will be either positive (detected) or negative (not detected). A doctor should always review these results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
| Phase | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-treatment | Positive (Abnormal) | Suggests H. pylori infection |
| Pre-treatment | Negative (Normal) | No H. pylori infection detected |
| Post-treatment | Positive | Treatment failure or ongoing infection |
| Post-treatment | Negative | Successful treatment of H. pylori infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and bismuth-containing preparations can suppress H. pylori activity in the gut and reduce the test's ability to detect the bacterium, leading to a false-negative result. If these medicines were taken within two to four weeks before testing, a negative result may not be fully reliable, and your doctor may recommend retesting.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General hygiene and lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of H. pylori infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before meals and after using the toilet
- Avoid sharing food, utensils, or drinking vessels with anyone who has a known infection
- Drink water only from safe, clean, and treated sources
Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test Price and Home Collection
The H. pylori stool test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,650, with home sample collection offered across multiple cities in India. Approximate prices across major cities are listed below:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Nagpur | ₹1,650 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,650 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1,650 |
| Chennai | ₹1,650 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,650 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,650 |
| Pune | ₹1,650 |
| Indore | ₹1,650 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the stool antigen test across cities in India so that you can collect your sample in the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The H. pylori stool test checks for specific proteins (antigens) from the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in a stool sample. Unlike blood-based antibody tests, this test identifies an active infection rather than past exposure. It is a non-invasive and reliable way to detect an ongoing H. pylori infection.
The stool antigen test (SAT) has a sensitivity of around 93% and a specificity of around 95%, making it one of the more reliable non-invasive options for detecting H. pylori. Monoclonal antibody-based formats tend to perform at the higher end of accuracy.
No fasting is needed before this test. You can eat and drink as normal. However, you should avoid antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and bismuth preparations for at least two to four weeks before collecting your sample, as these can affect the result.
Yes. The H. pylori stool test is commonly used after treatment to check whether the infection has cleared. For the most accurate reading, the test should be done at least four weeks after completing your prescribed course of treatment.
Blood tests for H. pylori detect antibodies, which can remain in the body for years even after the infection is cleared. This makes blood tests unreliable for confirming an active infection or for post-treatment checks. The H. pylori EIA stool test detects antigens linked to a current infection, making it a more useful diagnostic option.
A positive result means H. pylori antigens were found in your stool sample. You should share the result with your doctor, who will assess your symptoms and decide on the appropriate next steps. Do not self-medicate or start any antibiotics without medical guidance.
Retesting should be done at least four weeks after completing your treatment course. Testing earlier than this may not give an accurate picture of whether the infection has been fully cleared. If a test done seven days after therapy still shows a positive result, this may indicate that the treatment has not been fully effective.
Helicobacter Pylori Antigen, Rapid Stool Test
