Peptic Ulcer
Tests
The laboratory diagnosis of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori can be performed using a variety of different methods and specimen types.
The laboratory diagnosis of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori can be performed using a variety of different methods and specimen types.
- The most common laboratory test for diagnosing peptic ulcers is a blood test for the presence of antibodies to H. pylori. The presence of H. pylori antibodies means you have been infected at some time with this organism.
- A stool sample may be collected to look for the H. pylori antigen; however, this test is not appropriate for individuals who have blood in their stool.
- A breath test is also available that detects the enzyme activity of H. pylori.
- Some invasive procedures may be used to diagnose an ulcer. These include an upper GI series that involves taking x-rays of the GI tract and endoscopy, in which a tiny camera on the end of a thin tube is fed through the mouth, down the esophagus, to the duodenum.
- If tissue is removed from the stomach during the endoscopy (a biopsy), it may be examined in the lab for the presence of active H. pylori infection and associated stomach damage (gastritis).
Peptic ulcers are rarely fatal, but if they penetrate the stomach or duodenal wall (perforation), break a blood vessel (hemorrhage), or block food leaving the stomach (obstruction), they can be very serious. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and drugs to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced.
