H. Pylori Stool Antigen Test
A stool antigen test checks for evidence of an active Helicobacter pylori infection in your stomach. H. pylori can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and peptic ulcers.
Collect a small sample at home, with no fasting required. Read the medication preparation instructions before collecting, and discuss testing and results with your GP.
Order your home testing kit by clicking on the Add to Cart Button below
Buy any 3 tests and save 5%
Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Why choose H. pylori stool antigen testing?
Simple home sample collection, professional laboratory analysis and convenient prepaid return.
Suitable for adults and children
For children, discuss the suitability of testing with their GP.
Test in the comfort of your own home
Collect your sample at home without a clinic visit.
Non-invasive
A stool sample test with no needles or invasive procedure.
Accredited Irish laboratory
Samples are analysed by a fully accredited Irish medical laboratory.
Convenient prepaid return
Post your sample directly to the laboratory in the prepaid package, which fits through a standard postbox.
What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. It can cause gastritis and peptic ulcers, although many people have no symptoms.
A stool antigen test checks a small stool sample for evidence of active infection. It can also be used to check whether treatment has worked, at a time advised by your GP.
Understanding my results
Negative
No evidence of active H. pylori infection.
Positive
Detection of H. pylori specific antigen is supportive evidence of active infection.
Symptoms of H. pylori
Burning stomach pain
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Belching
Bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Bad breath
H. pylori stool antigen FAQs
How is the H. pylori stool antigen test performed?
The H. pylori stool antigen test is a non-invasive test that requires a small stool sample. The sample is collected at home using the kit provided and returned to the laboratory for analysis. The test detects antigens associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.
What is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining. It is a common cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and may contribute to long-term stomach inflammation if left untreated.
What causes H. pylori infection?
H. pylori is usually acquired through contaminated food or water, or via close person-to-person contact. Many people carry the bacteria without symptoms, while others develop digestive issues.
What symptoms might indicate I need an H. pylori test?
Symptoms may include:
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Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
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Bloating or excessive burping
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Nausea or vomiting
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Acid reflux or indigestion
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Loss of appetite
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Unexplained weight loss
Testing may also be recommended if symptoms persist despite treatment.
How accurate is the H. pylori stool antigen test?
When proper preparation guidelines are followed, the stool antigen test is highly accurate for detecting active H. pylori infection and confirming successful treatment.
Do I need to stop medication before the test?
Yes. Certain medications can affect results:
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) should usually be stopped 2 weeks before testing
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Antibiotics should be avoided for at least 4 weeks prior
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H2 Antagonists should also be avoided 3-4 days
Always follow the specific instructions provided with your test kit.
Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your GP.
Can this test confirm that H. pylori has been eradicated?
Yes. The stool antigen test can be used to check whether treatment has cleared H. pylori. Your GP will advise when to arrange a follow-up test and how to prepare.
Where can the H. pylori stool antigen test be performed?
The test can be performed as a home test kit and is returned back to the laboratory for analysis. The sample is analysed in an accredited laboratory.
Who should review the results?
Results should be reviewed with your G.P. or Consultant, who can advise on appropriate treatment if the test is positive. Please note that GastroLife is testing centre and undertakes the test only.
Is the test suitable for children?
The sample collection is non-invasive and does not involve blood sampling. Testing for children should be discussed with their GP or paediatric specialist to confirm whether it is appropriate.
How easy is the H. pylori stool antigen test to perform at home?
The H. pylori stool antigen test is straightforward and easy to perform at home. The kit includes clear step-by-step instructions. Only a small stool sample is needed, and once collected, the sample is securely packaged and returned to the laboratory for analysis. No clinic visit or special equipment is required.
Test Details
- Testing Age
- Adults & Children
Discuss testing for children with their GP. - Referral
- No referral required
- Results
- Approx. 7 working days
Home Test Kit Fee
€110
Before collecting your sample
- Read the supplied manual before purchasing and collecting your sample. Some medicines can affect the result.
- The kit instructions specify:
- No antibiotics for four weeks before collection.
- No proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 14 days.
- No H2 antagonists for 3–4 days.
- Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting your GP.
- Collect on Monday or Tuesday morning.
- Post the same day, in time for the next postal collection.
- Return the sample directly to Eurofins Biomnis, Blackthorn Road, using the prepaid box.
- Do not send or deliver it to a GastroLife clinic.
What’s included in your H. pylori kit?
Your kit includes one of each item below to collect your sample at home and package it for return to the laboratory.
Test Instructions Book
Read before collecting, packaging and returning your sample.
Test Request Form
Complete the required patient details and return with your sample.
Prepaid Postage Box
Return your packaged sample directly to the laboratory.
Biohazard Bag
Package your sample as shown in the supplied instructions.
Absorbent Pad
Use when packaging the sample, following the instructions.
Blue Security Seal Sticker
Seal the return package as instructed.
Sample Container
The scoop is attached to the cap. Use the supplied container to collect and hold your stool sample.
Collection Mat
Use the collection mat as directed in your kit.
Shipping and T&C’s
Patient Details
Ordering for someone else?
We assume the name and address provided at checkout belong to the patient taking the test.
If you are purchasing the test for a family member or someone else, please contact GastroLife immediately after purchase to provide the patient’s details.
Order your home testing kit by clicking on the Add to Cart Button below
Explore other digestive health tests
H. pylori is one part of a broader digestive health assessment.
If you’re experiencing multiple digestive symptoms or are looking for a broader assessment of your gut health, the Comprehensive Gut Check Bundle combines five key gastrointestinal investigations in one package.
Comprehensive Gut Check Bundle
A broader assessment of your gut health
- SIBO Breath TestChecks for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
- Faecal CalprotectinHelps assess inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Faecal Pancreatic ElastaseAssesses pancreatic enzyme production.
- H. Pylori TestingDetects Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Bowel Cancer FIT ScreeningScreens for hidden blood in the stool.
Discuss the most suitable testing option with your GP.
