Helicobacter pylori Tests

Gastric Ulcer Test, H. pylori Test, Peptic Ulcer Test, Stomach Ulcer Test, Stool Antigen Test, Urea Breath Test

How To Prepare

Blood antibody test or stool antigen test

You do not need to do anything before you have a blood antibody test or stool antigen test.

Stomach biopsy or urea breath test

Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before a breath test or a stomach biopsy.

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking some of your medicines for up to 1 week before having this test.

• Do not take antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (such as Losec or Nexium), or medicines containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) for 1 to 2 weeks before the test.
• Do not take H2 blockers, such as Pepcid AC, Zantac, or Axid for 24 hours before the test.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Ralph Poore Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: February 28, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Andrew H. Soll, MD - Gastroenterology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.