Test for antibodies to Helicobacter pylori is normal. Prescribing a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, interpretation of the results, normal, under what conditions is it indicated? Normal indicators in numbers
To correctly build a treatment regimen, methods are used that are based on the study of natural fluids (blood, urine). Depending on the results, the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of the therapy, and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, for example, Helicobacter, are determined. One of these methods is a blood test for Helicobacter pylori.
Helicobacter pylori is an insidious and dangerous bacteria. Their presence in the body causes many diseases occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Examination for the detection of these bacteria prevents the development of such serious ailments as gastritis and ulcers in adults and children.
How it appears in the body
Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract and can exist there without air. Once in the body, the bacterium settles in the stomach. It belongs to the only species that is not exposed to gastric juice.
Transmitted in the following ways:
- through saliva;
- through mucous secretions;
- with dirt;
- through unwashed foods.
The main cause of Helicobacter pylori infection is considered to be weak immunity throughout the body and locally in the digestive organs.
About the bacteria
Among the features of Helicobacter pylori are:
- it is resistant to gastric juice and hydrochloric acid, which is due to its rapid movement and production of ammonia;
- upon penetration into the mucous tissues of the stomach, it begins its destructive effect, leading to the formation of ulcers or foci of inflammation;
- during reproduction, intoxication of the body occurs, which leads to inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
When to worry
Testing for Helicobacter pylori is strictly mandatory and regular if it is known that there are ulcerative lesions on the gastrointestinal tract.
The following symptoms indicate serious changes in the functioning of the digestive system:
- Pain while eating. Caused by food stagnation or indigestion due to low fermentation.
- Pain on an empty stomach. They occur when long periods of time pass between meals. The symptom goes away after eating. During a meal, a person seems to feel its movement along the intestinal tract, this is explained by the presence of damaged areas on the gastric mucosa.
- Heartburn is a negative, strong effect of stomach acid on the esophagus, causing irritation. If there are isolated manifestations, there is no reason to worry, but in case of regular discomfort, it is better to undergo an examination.
- Heaviness in the stomach. Occurs after eating. Among the sensations, patients describe feeling as if food could not be digested.
- Nausea . The frequent occurrence of a symptom that is not associated, for example, with pregnancy, also sometimes serves as a signal for analysis.
- The so-called “breakdown” of the stomach. In this case, the person cannot even eat food due to acute painful sensations.
- Discomfort during meals. The main symptoms include aching pain and lack of appetite.
- The appearance of mucus, blood and particles of undigested food in the stool.
Most doctors recommend taking a blood test for antibodies to Helicobacter pylori periodically in addition to undergoing a general medical examination. But it is very rare that any person will consult a doctor unless absolutely necessary. However, the slightest delay in the fight against pathogenic bacteria is fraught with serious complications.
Why is an examination needed?
The analysis allows you to quickly identify the presence of bacteria and prescribe the optimal treatment regimen.
If Helicobacter pylori is not treated, the following diseases occur:
- ulcers of the duodenum, esophagus and stomach;
- esophagitis;
- atrophic gastritis;
- stomach cancer;
- non-ulcer dyspepsia.
Essence of the method
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a test of blood serum for antibodies. The digital antibody indicator serves as a marker of a person’s infection, since its increase is a reaction to Helicobacter pylori infection.
To obtain accurate results, the concentration of three types of immunoglobulins A, M, G is examined:
- Antibodies of the IgA type indicate the provision of local immunity. Their level determines the presence of infectious processes - if it is high, then they speak of the onset of the disease, if it is too low, it means that the immune system is not sufficiently strengthened.
- The IgM level is determined already at the beginning of infection. Its appearance signals inflammation of the mucous membrane.
- IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori are essentially a marker. If they are detected, then we are talking about the presence of bacterial infection in the human body. They can be identified a month after infection. However, after the bacteria are removed, high IgG levels will still be maintained for several months.
Immunoglobulins protect the body from bacteria and viruses. They are what constitute human immunity.
The concentration of IgG depends on the level of activity of Helicobacter pylori and decreases upon destruction. In this case, indicators of the IgA and IgM types are determined at the initial stages. For example, IgA can also be detected in gastric juice, which serves as a sign of acute infection.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of conducting an ELISA study are:
- efficiency that is above 92%;
- the ability to identify the pathogen even at the initial stage of infection;
- diagnostics of deviations from standard values;
- recording data on the dynamics of disease development;
- availability of the event.
Along with the advantages of analysis, there are also disadvantages:
- Since antibodies appear only after a month after infection, you can get a negative result even if you are infected with Helicobacter pylori.
- And, conversely, due to the fact that IgM levels are high for 3-4 months after treatment, a false result is possible even after the bacteria are removed from the body.
- The risk of obtaining false positive data due to a course of antibiotic treatment, which requires additional examination.
- Sometimes the appearance of antibodies in small quantities is a consequence of taking cytostatic drugs.
- It is impossible to differentiate between the acute form of the disease and passive colonization of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori
In order to minimize disadvantages, it is better to conduct a general analysis of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori for IgA, IgM and IgG. Gastroenterologists also advise, if a pathogenic bacterium is suspected, to undergo an FGS procedure and submit stool for examination.
Before conducting the study
Carrying out the analysis requires preliminary actions from the patient. If you need to donate blood, preparation includes:
- quit smoking a day before the procedure, as nicotine has a negative effect on mucous tissues, which leads to distorted results;
- excluding alcohol for 24 hours before taking the test;
- a ban on tea and coffee drinks, which also affect the mucous membranes;
- refusal to eat at least eight hours before the start of the procedure, because blood is donated on an empty stomach.
It is worth stocking up on a bottle of water, as some patients do not tolerate this procedure well.
Preparation is designed to help obtain accurate, undistorted results.
How does the procedure work?
The study allows you to determine the level of antibodies in the blood against bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori. The basis of the method is donating blood for analysis. Basically, serum is required, which is collected from a vein.
The biomaterial is collected in a container with a coagulant gel. With its help, plasma is released that is used in further research.
The only complication during the procedure is the occurrence of bruises when a vein is punctured. To make the hematoma resolve faster, it is enough to apply a dry, warm object.
The immunoglobulin G test result can be obtained 24 hours after blood collection. To study the IgA type indicator, an additional 8 hours will be required.
The price for the procedure ranges from 340 rubles for one specific antibody to 900 rubles for all three types.
Contraindications for carrying out
ELISA analysis should be abandoned in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- with possible convulsions;
- with damage to the skin or subcutaneous fat;
- with phlebitis of the vein.
Data decryption
When decoding a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, both qualitative and quantitative indicators G, A and M in relation to the bacterium are monitored.
Qualitative indicators indicate the presence or absence of antibodies. If we consider the patient’s condition at a normal level, then there are no antibodies in a healthy body. Accordingly, the extract must contain a note about the negative analysis.
Quantitative indicators IgA, IgM and IgG are based on a threshold value, the level of which allows consideration of deviation.
Reference standards vary in numbers within laboratories and different units may be used for assessment. But in any case, the result obtained is indicated on the form - the norm for Helicobacter pylori, as well as the deviation from the threshold value.
If the titres are elevated, then the body is infected. If the values are below the threshold, then we can talk about a negative analysis.
Norm of bacteria in the blood
To identify or refute the onset of a disease, the doctor calculates data using special tables. To obtain results, 3 indicators are used: the information received, normal values or deviations from them.
Normal Helicobacter pylori in the blood:
Normal values vary slightly between men, women and children.
How to understand the data
The following table is used to generate the results:
Sometimes laboratories may produce results that are neither high nor low. Based on quantitative indicators, they are classified as doubtful. Therefore, doctors prescribe a repeat analysis after 14-20 days. In this case, the adjusted titers of all three types of antibodies are considered.
What does the analysis say?
The results of testing the material for antibodies to Helicobacter pylori are calculated as follows:
| Type | Positive results ≥ 30 IFE (for IgG and IgA) | Norm | Negative results< 30 ИФЕ (для IgG и IgA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IgG |
|
30 |
|
| IgA |
|
30 |
|
| IgM | At the initial stage of infection in the acute form. | Availability |
|
Determining negative test results in the presence of pain requires re-examination.
What the results say
If an increase in the concentrations of antibodies G, A and M is observed, an aggressive infection process is implied. When the IgG concentration decreases to 2% over six months, we can talk about recovery.
If the IgG type indicator is no longer present during the next examination, this is a signal that Helicobacter pylori has been destroyed. It is better to carry out the analysis 10-12 weeks after treatment. Immunoglobulin type G, when suppressing a bacterial infection, should decrease by 50% by that time.
Blood testing is undoubtedly an effective way to detect the presence of infection in the body. As a rule, one analysis is enough for an accurate result. The Helicobacter bacterium is vulnerable to antibacterial effects. And timely treatment is the key to good health.
An analysis for Helicobacter pylori is prescribed in the presence of symptoms of chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers, since this bacterium is the causative agent of these diseases. What is it, in what cases should the study be carried out, how to interpret the results and how to treat the infection?
The name of the microorganism comes from “pylori,” indicating its habitat (the pyloric section of the stomach), and the characteristic of its shape is “heliko,” which means “spiral-shaped.”
Tests for Helicobacter
There are several methods for diagnosing HP infection (abbreviation HP for Helicobacter pylori), they have different reliability and differ in time and cost. Which method is faster and cheaper, and which one will show the result more accurately?
Methods for laboratory diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection are divided into invasive and non-invasive. Invasive ones involve endoscopy with the collection of biomaterial (biopsy) and subsequent cytological examination.
The most informative of the non-invasive tests are immunological studies, which determine the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the blood, H. pylori antigen in the stool, PCR tests, which reveal the genetic material of the bacterium, and breath tests.
PCR
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular genetic study that allows the identification of DNA fragments of the causative agent of helicobacteriosis. Fecal masses are used as the studied biomaterial. During the analysis, a section of bacterial DNA is isolated from the biomaterial, which is then duplicated many times on a special device - an amplifier. When the amount of DNA is sufficient for further detection, it is determined whether a genomic fragment characteristic of Helicobacter pylori is found in the sample. A positive result means the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. PCR analysis allows you to confirm the presence of a foreign microorganism in the body with an accuracy of 90-95%. Normally, the genetic material of Helicobacter pylori is not detected in the test material.
ELISA
Immunological methods do not directly determine the pathogen, but detect antibodies to its characteristic antigens.
Infection caused by Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and malignant tumors of the stomach (adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma).
The main method of testing blood for antibodies is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - quantitative determination of the level of antibodies of the IgA, IgM and IgG classes to Helicobacter pylori. ELISA also allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of infection therapy. Thus, the production of IgM antibodies to Helicobacter pylori is a marker of the acute stage of the process. Several weeks after the initial infection, IgM disappears. As the disease progresses and becomes chronic, antibodies of the IgA class are detected, then IgG. High levels of their concentration remain in the blood for a long time. The sensitivity of the method is 87-98%.
Immunoblotting
Immunoblotting is significantly inferior to other immunological methods both in cost and in the complexity of performing the analysis, however, only with its help it is possible, having only the patient’s blood serum, to obtain data on the properties of the Helicobacter pylori strain (based on whether it produces specific antigens CagA and VacA ).
Breathing tests
Breath test – determination of products of urea hydrolysis by H. pylori urease in the patient’s exhaled air. The study is based on the ability of the bacterium to produce the hydrolytic enzyme urease. In the digestive tract, urease decomposes urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Carbon dioxide is transported into the lungs and released into the air during breathing; its amount is recorded by a special device for urease analysis. Breath tests for Helicobacter are divided into carbon and ammonia.
Microbiological methods
Microbiological and bacteriological methods are used less frequently, as they require more time. They involve bacteriological culture of stool, isolation of a culture of the pathogen and determination of its sensitivity to antibiotics. During the study, feces are placed in a growth medium favorable for the growth of Helicobacter colonies. After a certain period of time, the culture is examined under a microscope, noting the number of colonies and their properties.
The main signs that may indicate infection with Helicobacter pylori are typical symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases.
The decision on the choice of method is made by the attending physician. If a patient is diagnosed with HP infection, it may be advisable to examine the patient's family members.
Preparing for analysis
To take a Helicobacter test, no special preparation is required, but it is important to follow the general rules, since only correctly collected material guarantees the reliability of the result. As a rule, all tests are taken on an empty stomach, that is, after at least eight hours of abstaining from food. Before the study, you should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, eating fatty and fried foods. When collecting material yourself, for example, for stool analysis, it is important to avoid contamination, since any foreign matter (for example, detergents used to clean a toilet or bedpan) can distort the result.
An important rule when taking tests: for a month before taking the material, the patient should not take antibiotics or drugs that stimulate gastric motility.
How the results are deciphered
If a qualitative analysis was carried out (determining the presence of Helicobacter bacteria in the body), then the results form can only have two options - “negative” or “positive”. If the analysis method involved a quantitative assessment, the norms of the results depend on the technique, laboratory, units of measurement and other factors, so only a doctor can interpret the results of the analysis, he also makes the final diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
Helicobacter pylori and its features
Until the 70s of the last century, it was believed that any bacteria that enter the stomach die under the influence of hydrochloric acid, lysozyme and immunoglobulin. In 1989, researchers were able to isolate in pure form and cultivate a spiral-shaped microorganism from the gastric mucosa of a patient suffering from gastritis - the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
The most informative of the non-invasive tests are immunological studies, which determine the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the blood, H. pylori antigen in the stool, PCR tests, which reveal the genetic material of the bacterium, and breath tests.
The name of the microorganism comes from “pylori,” indicating its habitat (the pyloric section of the stomach), and the characteristic of its shape is “heliko,” which means “spiral-shaped.”
Infection with the bacterium usually occurs through contact with dirty surfaces, through saliva, through airborne droplets, as a result of contact with an infected patient, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, eating insufficiently clean vegetables and fruits, or water from contaminated sources.
The appearance of clinical symptoms depends on the state of immunity. Among infected people, asymptomatic carriage is also found, since the microbe is capable of long-term parasitism without pronounced clinical manifestations and conflicts with the host’s immune system. In this case, the bacterium takes on an inactive form, increasing activity when conditions favorable to it appear. However, even in an inactive state, the pathogenic microorganism can cause damage to the walls of the stomach and duodenum. Developing inflammatory changes can lead to atrophy of the mucous membrane and the development
Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic spiral-shaped bacterium. Its difference is its resistance to the aggressive effects of gastric juice. After entering the body, it settles in the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to inflammatory reactions. The toxins released by the bacterium have a negative effect. It can be detected simply by taking a blood test.
In Russia, the prevalence of the bacterium is very high. In some regions, up to 90% of the population is infected. This is due to neglect of hygiene rules.
Indications for the study
Diagnosis is carried out when a person complains of discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms indicating the presence of bacteria include:
- regular heartburn;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- painful sensations while eating or on an empty stomach;
- the body's rejection of meat.
Discomfort may also occur after eating, even when eating a small amount of food. The patient feels as if the food is not being digested at all.
Sometimes serious disturbances in the functioning of the stomach occur, when a person cannot eat or drink due to severe pain. This process may be accompanied by severe vomiting. A blood test is given for bacteria in situations where mucus appears in the stool.
The concept of a test for the presence of antibody levels to infection
Shows the amount of antibodies that are produced to the bacteria. Each type of microorganism produces its own type of immunoglobulin.
Antibodies to H. pylori are produced in quantities sufficient for diagnosis within up to a month. They indicate the presence of infection and the stage of development of the pathology.
Venous blood is examined. In addition to the symptoms described above, the test can also be prescribed for people who have had contact with infected patients.
If the blood test shows a large number of antibodies, then diagnosis is carried out using the Western Blot method. This is a specific diagnosis that allows you to obtain differentiated information about antibodies. To obtain an accurate determination of the amount of antibodies, protein electrophoresis of the bacterial extract is used.
Carrying out the method for determining pathogenic microflora is possible in any medical institution. A referral for it can be obtained from a general practitioner, a gastroenterologist and an immunologist.
Advantages of the method
The main advantage of the study is the high accuracy of the results. On average, it is 85-95%. The benefits are:
- inexpensive cost of the analysis;
- accessibility;
- no need for serious preparation;
- the ability to track deviations from the norm and dynamics of morbidity;
- detection of bacteria within a short period of time after infection.
Flaws
The results may be affected by medications taken. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss their use with your doctor in advance. During the collection of venous blood, some patients experience discomfort, even to the point of fainting.
Blood tests are time consuming as doctors can take up to a week to analyze the results. The disadvantages include the appearance of a false negative result, if the microbe first entered the body, the immune system has not yet responded properly.
Sometimes doctors talk about false positive results, when antibodies persist until the bacteria are completely destroyed. Most often this affects older people.
Preparation
Immediately before the study, it is necessary to exclude alcohol, fatty foods, and physical activity.
Biomaterial should be donated before breakfast. If it is impossible to tolerate, the doctor may allow you to take a few sips of clean water.
It is given before the start of medication use, not earlier than two weeks after the therapy. If a blood test is performed for monitoring, the drugs and doses used are immediately indicated.
How to submit biomaterial and deadlines
Blood is taken from a vein in the morning. It is placed in a test tube with a substance that promotes blood clotting. This allows the whey to be removed. The separated plasma is analyzed for the presence of antibodies.
The procedure is safe and painless. Therefore, there are no contraindications to its use. Typically, blood collection occurs in the following steps:
- The patient is seated on the couch, his hand rests on the pillow.
- Above the level of the elbow, the arm is bandaged with a tourniquet or a cuff is used.
- Blood collection takes less than a minute.
Price
The cost of the service depends on which medical center the test is performed at. In public medical institutions it can be completed free of charge with a medical insurance policy.
Results are usually ready in 7-8 days. the cost of the study is from 600 rubles.
Results of a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, interpretation of the norm
There are different methods for the quantitative and qualitative determination of immunoglobulins in bacteria. A qualitative indicator indicates the presence or absence of antibodies without quantitative assessment.
If the patient is healthy, there are no antibodies. Quantity indicators are based on threshold values. They mean the norm with which the data obtained is compared.
Standards in laboratories differ in numerical indicators and are assessed in different units. But the form with the analysis results contains numbers to determine the norm and deviation.
It is taken into account that immunoglobulin titers below the threshold indicate a negative test result, and above - a positive one.
Reference values:
| Immunoglobulin type | What does it show | Normal concentration units/ml |
|---|---|---|
| A | Indicates an early stage of infection. May indicate severe inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This immunoglobulin is also found in people who do not take care of their health. | Up to 0.9 |
| G | Confirms the presence of bacteria in the body. Most often it can be detected in the blood 3-4 weeks after infection. | Up to 0.9 |
| M | Speaks of an early stage of the disease. Such immunoglobulins are rarely detected, since patients consult a doctor when the disease has reached a more severe stage. | Up to 30 |
Sometimes indicators appear that are assessed as questionable. Then, to clarify the diagnosis, a blood test is given after 14-20 days.
If there is no immunoglobulin LgG in the blood, below normal, this indicates that there is no bacteria in the body or the infection has just occurred. If there is pain in the stomach, the studies are repeated.
At high rates, the risk of development is high. After the start of treatment, antibodies quickly disappear.
In the presence of immunoglobulin LgM, which is present in normal values, this indicates the absence of a disease caused by bacteria. At high rates, we can assume an early stage of infection.
Initiated treatment, as a rule, leads to complete recovery, since the bacteria have not yet had time to significantly destroy the mucous membrane.
The absence of LgA in the blood may indicate that the person was recently infected, the correct antibacterial therapy was carried out, and the person is at the recovery stage.
To determine more accurate indicators, it is used to detect bacterial DNA samples. This type of research is considered reliable. The blood test can be positive or negative.
Contraindications for ELISA
No contraindications to the study were identified.
Sometimes the place where the blood is taken changes if there is an affected area in the elbow area. Temporary restrictions include nervous overexcitation of the patient, convulsions, damage to the skin or subcutaneous fat, phlebitis of the punctured vein.
Video about a blood test for Helicobacter pylori:
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacteria that affects the lower stomach. In most cases, infection occurs through contact due to neglect of personal hygiene. Since in a number of situations this microorganism can provoke real problems and quite dangerous pathologies, at the slightest suspicion of infection you should consult a doctor. Specialists have several ways to identify bacteria that help confirm or refute Helicobacter pylori infection.
If you notice any of the following signs or a combination of symptoms, seek help from a gastroenterologist immediately. It is quite possible that the cause of the malaise was the ubiquitous Helicobacter pylori.
- Pain before eating, during meals or after eating.
- Regular attacks of heartburn.
- Nausea not associated with pregnancy, food or other poisoning, or other obvious causes.
- The appearance of blood in the stool.
- The appearance of constipation, alternating with diarrhea.
- Discomfort in the epigastric region, a feeling of heaviness after eating even a small portion of food.
- Repeated vomiting not provoked by other understandable causes (poisoning, alcohol intoxication, inhalation of chemicals or other diseases).
With such symptoms, the doctor will most likely refer the patient for laboratory tests to determine the presence and even the amount of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in the body.
Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and accompanying signs may indicate a completely different pathology. That is why you should not prescribe tests for yourself and go to the laboratory yourself. Visit your doctor first; It is quite possible that you need to conduct completely different research.
How to prepare for the analysis?
In order for the results of the study to be reliable, the patient must strictly follow the rules of eating behavior several days before the analysis. This is necessary so that the mucous tissues of the stomach are not subjected to additional negative effects, and the data obtained are as informative as possible.
At least one day before the test, you need to exclude from your life:
- smoking, it is also advisable to avoid passive inhalation of nicotine;
- any alcohol;
- coffee and caffeinated foods/beverages;
- pickles, smoked meats, spicy and sour foods.
You should not eat 8–10 hours before the actual test, otherwise the results may be incorrect, which will either require additional tests or affect the selected therapy, making it incorrect.
Since the blood sample is taken from a vein, and some patients react poorly to refusing food and are afraid of tests, experts recommend taking water and a small snack with you to the laboratory.
Types of tests for Helicobacter Pylori
There are several test options to detect bacteria in the body. Some of them are express methods, while others are time-consuming but more accurate methods. The specific type of study is selected by the attending physician in accordance with the clinical picture and symptoms of the disease.
ELISA
An enzyme immunoassay for antibodies, which is what this abbreviation stands for, is a biochemical study showing the presence and amount of certain types of immunoglobulin in the patient’s blood.
Immunoglobulin is a special type of protein produced by blood cells and capable of binding to the pathogen, neutralizing the danger. Each microorganism produces its own immunoglobulins, suitable like a key to a lock.
Experts divide immunoglobulins into three types - G, M, A, which are respectively designated as IgG, IgM, and IgA.
The results of ELISA are not so clear; there are a lot of nuances that a person who does not have special education and experience is simply unaware of. For example, that IgG may be absent in principle if the infection occurred only 3-4 weeks ago. And the IgA class can also be detected in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, only a doctor should decipher the data.
In common parlance, this study is also called a “breathing test” and refers to express methods. The analysis is completely safe and non-invasive. This is done as follows:
- First, the patient breathes calmly into a special plastic tube for 6 minutes.
- Then the patient needs to drink a special solution and continue to exhale air into the tube.
- Upon completion of the procedure, which lasts a maximum of 20 minutes, the resulting air samples are sent to the laboratory.
The essence of the method is to compare two respiratory results. Since the Helicobacter pylori bacterium can synthesize urease (a special enzyme that breaks down urea into two components: ammonia and carbon dioxide), if it is present, measuring instruments will detect carbon dioxide in the exhaled air. Depending on the percentage of CO2, the results are interpreted as follows:
The accuracy of the result obtained depends on the correct preparatory measures. If the recommendations are followed correctly, the reliability of the urease breath test is up to 95%. With regular use of antacids and analgesics that cannot be canceled for 2-3 weeks, such a study is not carried out.
Cytological analysis
This method is justifiably considered one of the most informative. A biopsy (taking biological material from the affected area) is performed during fibrogastroduodenoscopy, after which the resulting tissue is sent for detailed cellular examination. The probability of a false positive result with this method of research tends to zero.
There are three options for biopsy, differing in the method of taking material for cytology and the time of the procedure:
- Incisional.
- Excision.
- Needle.
If antibodies are detected in tissues, the result is considered positive.
This method has a significant advantage in the form of endoscopy. During the examination, specialists can not only collect biological material for analysis, but also carefully examine the damaged area, determine the nature of the lesion, the anatomical features of the gastrointestinal tract and record the results of endoscopy.
Histology
This method also involves a biopsy. The method is indicated for suspected tumor formations in the stomach. The results are considered positive when Helicobacter pylori cells are detected in the tissues examined. Otherwise, the analysis is considered negative.
Decoding the data must be carried out taking into account not only the patient’s current condition and clinical picture, but also the anamnesis.
PCR
This abbreviation stands for even more mysteriously than ELISA - polymerase chain reaction. The study is one of the most diagnostically accurate, and blood or feces are used for analysis. In some cases, other physiological fluids of the body (saliva) act as biological material.
The essence of the method is to detect Helicobacter pylori DNA samples in the body, and the study shows the presence of the bacterium in real time. The result obtained can be either positive or negative. In this case, the stage of infection does not play any role; both at the initial stage and in cases of severe pathology, the PCR method will identify the pathogen.
A false positive result is possible if the patient did not follow the doctor’s recommendations for preparing for the test or took certain medications. When examining stool, unreliable positive data can be obtained if there is bile or inorganic salts in the feces.
This diagnostic method does not require a mandatory hospital stay; material for analysis can be collected at home, which seems very important when it comes to small children, elderly people, and disabled people. The PCR method is non-invasive, reliable and safe.
Detection of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in the body by any of the research options does not always indicate the presence of the disease. It is necessary to decipher the tests only taking into account the anamnesis, complaints, and clinical manifestations of the pathology. Without specific signs of infection, even positive data may mean nothing. Remember that up to 50% of the world's population are healthy carriers.
This test is aimed at early detection of bacteria - Helicobacter pylori, a microorganism that causes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, namely: gastritis, peptic ulcer, which in the future can lead to stomach cancer.
| Deadlines | up to 5 days |
| Synonyms (rus) | AT to Helicobacter pylori Ig M |
| Synonyms (eng) | anti-Helicobacter pylory IgM; Helicobacter pilory antibody Ig M. |
| Methods | Solid phase ELISA |
| Units | Conventional units/ml |
| Preparing for the study | The study is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach. At least 8 hours must pass since the last meal. |
| Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before taking biomaterial. | |
| It is not recommended to donate blood for serology after fluorography, x-rays, or physiotherapeutic procedures. | |
| Type of biomaterial and methods of taking it | Venous blood is used. |
Helicobacter pylori, is it dangerous?
This is a spiral-shaped microorganism that affects the stomach and duodenum, causing inflammation of the mucous membrane, peptic ulcer, which can be a prerequisite for the development of cancer. It is transmitted in everyday life, a large amount is found in saliva and mucus, so you can become infected by using the same dishes or towels. Many are carriers of Helicobacter pylori, but do not even suspect it because there are no symptoms.Warning signs, or when to think about visiting a doctor.
If you are worried about heaviness after eating, heartburn, stomach ache before or after meals, nausea, vomiting, aversion to meat, feeling of early fullness in the stomach, night hunger pains, this is a reason to think about the presence Helicobacter pylori infection. Ig M is an indicator of early infection, therefore, if symptoms have just appeared, only this type of antibody will become indicative, since other immunoglobulins are formed later, and a false result can be obtained.
What is the ELISA method?
When a protein enters the human body, the genetic material of which is not characteristic of it, including Helicobacter pylori, the body produces specific proteins - immunoglobulins of different classes. They are specific markers of the disease and specific antibodies are produced for each new pathogen. Three classes have diagnostic significance - Ig A, Ig G, Ig M. For analysis, blood is taken from a vein, then the plasma is separated and the amount of Ig M is determined.Diagnostic role of Ig M for Helicobacter pylori
These immunoglobulins are an indicator of early infection; they are the largest proteins in size. They appear from the very beginning of the disease, a fairly high concentration remains for 3-4 weeks, then slowly decreases, and they disappear, replaced by Ig G.A negative test - is it always the absence of infection?
Results:- Negative - less than 36 units;
- Positive - more than 40 units;
- Doubtful - 36-40 units (borderline condition, requires retake in 2 - 3 weeks).
- If the result is positive, this indicates a recent infection, about 3 - 4 weeks.
