H. pylori Antigen (Stool)
Private H. pylori stool antigen testing in London for £99, detecting active infection without a blood draw, with results in around 2–3 days.
Turnaround time
2-3 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test
The H. pylori Antigen (Stool) test detects Helicobacter pylori antigen in a stool sample and is used to identify active infection within the stomach.
The test contains 1 biomarker: H. pylori Antigen (Stool).
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium capable of colonising the stomach lining and producing chronic gastric inflammation.
Many infected people have no symptoms.
In others, H. pylori can contribute to gastritis, dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease.
Long-standing infection is also recognised as an important risk factor for certain gastric complications.
The stool antigen test differs from an H. pylori IgG antibody blood test because it looks for evidence associated with current active infection, rather than an immune response that may remain detectable after an earlier infection.
This makes stool antigen testing useful both when initially diagnosing H. pylori and when confirming that treatment has successfully eradicated the organism.
The timing of eradication testing is important.
Testing too soon after antibiotics can produce misleading results.
Proton Pump Inhibitors can also suppress H. pylori and reduce test sensitivity.
Where clinically safe and agreed with the clinician managing treatment, PPIs are commonly withheld before stool-antigen testing, while antibiotics and bismuth-containing treatment require a longer interval.
The test is non-invasive and does not require a blood draw.
A positive result supports active H. pylori infection in the appropriate clinical context, while a negative result makes active infection less likely if preparation and timing have been appropriate.
What Does the H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test Check?
The test directly assesses a stool sample for H. pylori antigen and is intended to identify active gastric infection rather than previous immune exposure. This test measures 1 biomarker.
H. pylori Antigen (Stool)
Detects Helicobacter pylori antigen in faeces to support diagnosis of active infection and assessment of eradication following appropriate treatment.
Who May Benefit From the H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test?
Stool antigen testing may be useful for people with persistent upper gastrointestinal symptoms or those who need to confirm that previously treated H. pylori has been eradicated.
People with persistent indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort - H. pylori is one potential cause of chronic gastritis and dyspepsia.
People with a history of gastric or duodenal ulcer disease - H. pylori is an important cause of peptic ulcers.
People with recurrent unexplained upper abdominal pain - Active infection may be considered among other gastrointestinal causes.
People who have completed H. pylori eradication treatment - Stool antigen testing can help establish whether the organism has been successfully cleared.
People with unexplained Iron-deficiency anaemia where H. pylori is being considered - Chronic infection can sometimes contribute to Iron-related problems.
People who prefer a non-invasive active-infection test - A stool specimen avoids venous blood collection.
People whose previous H. pylori antibody result was positive - Stool antigen can help determine whether active infection remains present.
People specifically advised to undergo a test of cure - Appropriate post-treatment timing is important for reliable eradication assessment.
How to Prepare
Do not stop essential prescribed gastric medication without medical advice.
Correct medication timing is particularly important because suppression of H. pylori can produce a false-negative stool antigen result.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test
H. pylori infection can be asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur they commonly involve the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Burning or gnawing upper abdominal discomfort - Gastritis or peptic ulcer disease associated with H. pylori can cause epigastric pain.
Persistent indigestion - Dyspeptic symptoms may occur with chronic gastric inflammation.
Nausea - H. pylori-associated gastritis can contribute to nausea in some people.
Bloating or early fullness - Upper gastrointestinal discomfort can include early satiety or abdominal bloating.
Loss of appetite - Persistent gastric symptoms can affect food intake.
A history of gastric or duodenal ulcers - Testing can identify an important treatable cause.
Previously treated H. pylori infection - Follow-up testing can confirm whether eradication was successful.
Unexplained Iron deficiency alongside gastrointestinal concerns - H. pylori may be considered as part of a broader investigation.
These symptoms are not specific to H. pylori and can occur with many other gastrointestinal conditions.
Vomiting blood, black stools, progressive difficulty swallowing, significant unexplained weight loss, severe persistent abdominal pain or marked anaemia requires medical assessment rather than routine stool testing alone.
How to Book Your H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test
The H. pylori Antigen (Stool) test can be booked privately for diagnosis of active infection or appropriate post-treatment eradication testing.
Choose the H. pylori Antigen (Stool)
Select the individual H. pylori stool antigen test online.
Select your sample collection option
Obtain the appropriate stool collection kit for home collection or clinic return according to the available service.
Attend your appointment
If kit collection or clinic return is required, follow the booking instructions and provide the specimen in the correct laboratory container.
Laboratory analysis
Your stool sample is analysed for H. pylori antigen associated with active infection.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be reviewed with a GP or gastroenterology clinician where appropriate.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current expected turnaround for H. pylori Antigen (Stool) is approximately 2–3 days after the stool sample reaches the laboratory.
The test requires microbiological or immunological analysis of the submitted faecal specimen.
Laboratory processing begins once the sample has been received in suitable condition.
The result is released after analysis, quality-control procedures and authorisation.
Weekends, bank holidays, delayed sample transport or an unsuitable specimen can extend the reporting period.
If testing is being performed after treatment, the value of the result depends as much on correct timing after medication as on laboratory turnaround.
Understanding Your Results
A negative result means H. pylori antigen was not detected in the submitted stool sample.
When the test has been performed at an appropriate time and interfering medicines have been managed correctly, this makes active infection less likely.
A negative result obtained while taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor or too soon after antibiotic treatment may be less reliable.
A positive result indicates that H. pylori antigen has been detected and supports active infection.
In an untreated patient with compatible symptoms, clinical treatment may be recommended.
After eradication therapy, a positive result suggests that infection may persist and should be reviewed with the clinician responsible for treatment.
Unlike IgG antibody testing, stool antigen testing can be used to assess eradication because it reflects active infection rather than long-lasting immune memory.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private access to a non-invasive test designed specifically to detect active H. pylori infection.
Detects active infection - Unlike IgG antibodies, stool antigen testing assesses current H. pylori presence.
Suitable for eradication confirmation - Can be used as a test of cure when performed at the correct interval after treatment.
No blood draw required - Testing uses a stool specimen.
Relevant to ulcer and gastritis investigations - H. pylori is an important treatable gastric infection.
Private laboratory testing - Specimens are processed through an appropriate UK laboratory pathway.
Secure reporting - Receive your authorised result confidentially.
Clear preparation guidance - Medication timing is considered to reduce avoidable false-negative results.
Clear pricing - The H. pylori Antigen (Stool) test costs £99.
Private H. pylori Antigen (Stool) Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private H. pylori stool antigen testing for people requiring assessment of active Helicobacter pylori infection.
The test costs £99 and measures 1 biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 2–3 days after laboratory receipt.
The test is suitable for diagnosis and, when correctly timed, for confirming eradication after treatment.