Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter Pylori (HP) is a bacteria that is present in about 50% of the global population. Chronic (lasting for more than 3-6 months) infection causes atrophic or even metaplastic (normal cells transform into abnormal ones) changes in the stomach and is often associated with gastric or duodenal ulcer. The most common route of infection with HP is either oral-to-oral or fecal-to-oral contact.
Signs and symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection
In general, those infected with HP are asymptomatic. When signs or symptoms are present, they may include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain (most often in the central-upper area)
- Diarrhoea
- Hunger in the morning
- Halitosis (smelly mouth/breath)
Staging of the Helicobacter Pylori infection
Although a staging system for the HP infection does not exist, some steps of the disease are well described.
The first step is chronic gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the internal layers of the stomach lasting for at least 3 months), followed after a time by the second step, atrophic gastritis (thinning of the internal layers of the stomach, usually as a result of a chronic gastritis). The third step is intestinal metaplasia (normal cells transform into abnormal ones), which may evolve into dysplasia (cellular changes often indicative of an early cancer). The last step in this process is gastric adenocarcinoma.
The first step is chronic gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the internal layers of the stomach lasting for at least 3 months), followed after a time by the second step, atrophic gastritis (thinning of the internal layers of the stomach, usually as a result of a chronic gastritis). The third step is intestinal metaplasia (normal cells transform into abnormal ones), which may evolve into dysplasia (cellular changes often indicative of an early cancer). The last step in this process is gastric adenocarcinoma.
Diagnostic tests for Helicobacter Pylori
- Urea breath test (UBT) - performed in a hospital setting (gastroenterology)
- HP fecal antigen test - performed in a hospital setting (lab)
- HP serology (Antibody screening finger prick test) - performed at Charlestown Medical Centre, results available in 5 minutes
Helicobacter Pylori Test (serology) at Charlestown Medical Centre (F.A.Q)
How is it done?
Our Nurse or the GP will use a thin needle to perform a superficial puncture in the skin of one of your fingers. A small drop of blood is then expressed and collected in a cassette-based analyser and then treated with a chemical buffer.
Results are available in about 5 minutes: a single line indicates a negative result (which means you never had the H. Pylori infection), while two lines are indicative of a past or current Helicobacter Pylori infection.
The test is checking for the presence in the blood of the antibodies against the H. Pylori bacteria and is not screening for the presence of the antigen (the bacteria itself).
This test is not intended for re-testing of those who previously got the diagnosis of H. Pylori infection.
How to prepare for the test?
All you have to to is to present for your appointment. There is no need to stay off a certain type of medication as the test we have at present is checking for the presence of the antibodies against H. Pylori only.
It will show if you ever had or if you currently have the H. Pylori infection and is not intended to assess the efficacy of the treatment against this bacteria.
There is no need for you to fast (to refrain from eating or drinking) before this test.
What days are available for appointments?
The test can be performed by our GPs (during their working hours) or by our Nurse (during her working hours).
What's the cost of the test?
The Helicobacter Pylori diagnostic test costs €40 for private and also for medical card patients.
Family appointments would benefit of the following discounts:
What happens after the test?
If the result is negative (you are not infected) you should do nothing.
In case the result is a positive one (you are infected), the following steps will normally apply:
Our Nurse or the GP will use a thin needle to perform a superficial puncture in the skin of one of your fingers. A small drop of blood is then expressed and collected in a cassette-based analyser and then treated with a chemical buffer.
Results are available in about 5 minutes: a single line indicates a negative result (which means you never had the H. Pylori infection), while two lines are indicative of a past or current Helicobacter Pylori infection.
The test is checking for the presence in the blood of the antibodies against the H. Pylori bacteria and is not screening for the presence of the antigen (the bacteria itself).
This test is not intended for re-testing of those who previously got the diagnosis of H. Pylori infection.
How to prepare for the test?
All you have to to is to present for your appointment. There is no need to stay off a certain type of medication as the test we have at present is checking for the presence of the antibodies against H. Pylori only.
It will show if you ever had or if you currently have the H. Pylori infection and is not intended to assess the efficacy of the treatment against this bacteria.
There is no need for you to fast (to refrain from eating or drinking) before this test.
What days are available for appointments?
The test can be performed by our GPs (during their working hours) or by our Nurse (during her working hours).
What's the cost of the test?
The Helicobacter Pylori diagnostic test costs €40 for private and also for medical card patients.
Family appointments would benefit of the following discounts:
- 2 family members: €70
- 3 family members: €100
What happens after the test?
If the result is negative (you are not infected) you should do nothing.
In case the result is a positive one (you are infected), the following steps will normally apply:
- our GP will write a prescription for you to get the specific treatment in order to cure the infection (the eradication rate is 99%). The prescription will be issued free of charge.
- this test is not intended for re-testing in the case you have been previously diagnosed with H. Pylori infection
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