Antibiotics should not be taken in the 4 weeks prior to testing.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and bismuth should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to testing.
Effective 5/10/2020, faecal antigen testing for H.pylori in persons under 16 years will be restricted to those requests where specialist approval has been gained from a Paediatrician or Gastroenterologist. See full clinical update
Processing Information
Registration Code
HPYL
Notes
Request for H. pylori alone: send specimen to PLW (Chilled transport), to be frozen immediately upon receipt (Immunology Freezer 1, in labelled H. pylori bin)
Requests for H.pylori and other faecal test(s): send specimen to PLBOP Microbiology. Must reach PLBOP Microbiology within 24 hours of collection. Document collection time/date clearly on the request form/specimen. PLBOP will then send the specimen to PLW Immunology, having taken an aliquot or finished putting up the sample for microbiology (chilled transport)
If any deviation from the above protocol is necessary, please ensure the following is adhered to: Specimens should be stored at 2-8C upon receipt for up to 72 hours, after this time period the specimen should be stored at -20C. If sample storage time exceeded, recollect is needed to avoid potential falsely negative result.
PLW Immunology perform the test on Monday and Thursday.