The detection of H. pylori stool antigen is intended to aid in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. This can also be used to demonstrate loss of H. pylori following treatment, however it is recommended that this is done at least four weeks following completion of therapy.
H. pylori has been established as an etiologic agent in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and has been associated with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma.
1-2g of stool in an appropriate sterile leak proof container.
Temperature: 2-8°C up to 3 days or frozen immediately at ≤-20°C where processing or transport is delayed
24 hours. 48 hours if sample received frozen.
*Excludes Sundays and Bank Holidays
3 days @ 2-8ºC. >3days at ≤-20°C
Immunochromatographic – Meridian ImunoCard STAT HpSA
PLEASE NOTE: Samples and accompanying relevant patient/ isolate data maybe referred for confirmatory or further laboratory testing to Reference laboratories. Relevant Public Health departments may also be notified IF a notifiable disease is identified under the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53/2020).
Preparation of patient: Collect specimens before antimicrobial therapy where possible.
Precautions: Specimens should be transported to the laboratory in an airtight sterile container. Watery stool samples (composed mainly of fluid with little or no solid matter) are not suitable for analysis.
If processing is delayed samples should be refrigerated provided they can reach the laboratory within 72 hours. If this is not possible, samples should be frozen immediately on receipt and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible (preferred method of storage).
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS FOR COAGULATION TESTS
PROCEDURE
Sample Requirements and Collection
Transportation and Storage
Plasma Sample Stability (CLSI H21-A5)