Description
What is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonises the gastric mucosa, causing persistent infection in the stomach lining. It is one of the most prevalent chronic bacterial infections worldwide, affecting an estimated half of the global population.
H. pylori is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation and is the leading cause of peptic ulcer disease. Early detection and eradication are strongly recommended by international guidelines.
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Bacterial Infection
H. pylori survives in the acidic environment of the stomach and damages the protective mucosal lining.
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How It Spreads
Transmission most commonly occurs person-to-person via the faecal–oral or oral–oral route, often through food preparation by an infected individual.
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Class A Carcinogen
Recognised as a leading risk factor for gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Eradication significantly reduces this risk.
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Treatable
Standard triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy achieves high eradication rates. Treatment is guided by NICE and Maastricht consensus recommendations.
Symptoms of H. pylori Infection
Symptoms can vary considerably. Many people carry the infection without any noticeable symptoms, which is why testing is important. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- A persistent burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach (heartburn)
- Acid reflux or regurgitation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual increase in appetite or hunger
- Bloating and excessive flatulence
- Unintentional weight loss
- Dark or tarry stools (indicating gastrointestinal bleeding — seek urgent medical attention)
Important: Some people experience no symptoms at all, yet the infection is still present and causing damage. Testing is the only way to confirm or exclude infection.
???? H. pylori and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (Hives)
H. pylori infection has been associated with increased mast cell reactivity and may act as a co-factor in worsening or perpetuating chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). In patients with persistent hives, testing for and eradicating H. pylori is recommended as part of a thorough investigation, as successful treatment may improve urticaria symptoms.
Why Eradication Matters: Clinical Guidelines
Because H. pylori is a recognised carcinogen and a principal cause of peptic ulcer disease, both the NICE guidelines (UK) and the Maastricht/Florence Consensus (European) recommend:
- Test and treat all patients with confirmed H. pylori infection
- Complete the full course of antibiotic eradication therapy
- Perform a confirmatory test at least four weeks after completing treatment (and at least two weeks after stopping proton pump inhibitors) to verify successful eradication
If your result is positive, please book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants or your GP to arrange appropriate treatment and follow-up.
???? If Your Result is Positive
Do not ignore a positive result. H. pylori does not clear on its own without antibiotic treatment. Please:
- Book an appointment with one of our consultants or your GP as soon as possible
- Begin the prescribed eradication course and complete it in full
- Arrange a repeat confirmatory stool test at least four weeks after completing treatment
How the Postal Stool Test Works
Order Your Test
Complete your order. This test must be ordered on its own — please do not add any other tests in the same transaction.
Receive Your Kit by Post
You will receive a stool collection pot, a laboratory request form, and a prepaid return envelope — everything you need is included.
Label the Pot — Before You Collect
Write your full name and date of birth clearly on the stool pot before collecting your sample. This step is essential for laboratory processing.
Collect Your Sample
Follow the simple instructions provided with your kit to collect a small stool sample into the labelled pot.
Post Everything Back to the Laboratory
Place the labelled stool pot and the laboratory request form in the prepaid envelope and post it back. Please include all items received in the kit.
Receive Your Results
Results are typically available within approximately one week of the laboratory receiving your sample. You will be notified via your preferred contact method.
⚠️ Important Reminders Before You Post
- Write your full name and date of birth on the stool pot before collecting your sample
- Include the laboratory request form — do not discard it
- Use the prepaid return envelope provided
- Post all items received: pot + laboratory form + envelope
- Order this test on its own — do not add other tests in the same checkout transaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: This test is intended for patients aged 18 and over. Results are provided for informational purposes and should be interpreted in the context of your clinical history by a qualified healthcare professional. A positive result does not constitute a diagnosis in isolation. If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or unexplained weight loss, please seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for test results.
