Helicobacter pylori

Tests used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori may include:

• blood tests to identify antibodies that indicate the presence of the bacterium
• stool test and to identify the bacterium (antigen)
• breath tests to determine if carbon is present after drinking a solution that breaks down urea
• tissue tests to detect the presence of the enzyme urease, examine the bacteria that is present, and start a culture test to grow more bacteria for examination