Compare Different H. Pylori Testing Methods
2023-03-10
Having a stomachache might mean more that “just eating the wrong food” or “having a stressful day”, but an alarm for early stomach cancer symptoms! One of the most common and invisible carcinogenic bacteria – Helicobacter pylori, has already infected half of the local population, while majority of us show no symptoms. Don’t worry, testing H. pylori is now easier than ever! Check out their differences below.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a test to check inside your upper part digestive system, including throat, food pipe and stomach, with a long and flexible tube with a small camera passing through your mouth and throat. The test helps identify gastric ulcers, inflammation and cancers, as well as their causes.Tissues might be removed for biopsy testing if necessary.
Test Details
Gastroscopy can be performed at clinics or hospitals. The test usually incurs a higher fee depending on the tested items and prescribed medication, ranging from $5,000 to more than $10,000. Eating or drinking is prohibited 6-8 hours before the procedure, sick persons and pregnant women should seek medical advice prior to testing. Some patients can be sedated to minimize any discomfort. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and can provide result within 2 weeks. You may experience minor sore throat or abdominal distension immediately after the procedure. Less likely complications include bleeding and bacterial infections.
H. Pylori Urea Breath Test
Patients have to first breathe into a sample urea bag, and then swallow one carbon-13 tablet and breathe into another sample urea bag after 20-30 minutes. The 2 sample bags will be collected for analysis to identify if there is a H. pylori infection.
Test Details
Urea breath tests can be performed at clinics or hospitals and charges from $600 up to $1,000. No eating or drinking 6 hours before the test, while proton-pump inhibitor and antibiotics for H. pylori have to be stopped 2 and 4 weeks prior to the test respectively. Persons who have undergone stomach procedures are not suitable for the test. Test results are usually ready in 1-2 days.
H. Pylori Stool Test (Rapid Test)
Patients can perform stool test at-home on their own. You have to leave your stool sample on a collection paper, then collect sample with a sampling stick at 5 different places and place the stick back into the test device. H. pylori infection result will be ready in 10 minutes.
Test Details
UU Tube by INDICAID™ Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Test does not require an empty stomach or any medication prior to the test, and is suitable for any person to test at home while causing no discomfort. It is available at $248 now.
UU Tube is certified with CE mark, it attains a 98% accuracy with no requirement for pre-test medication or fasting and is suitable for people with or without symptoms.
ENJOY 10% OFF DISCOUNT NOWStool Test VS Urea Breath Test VS Gastroscopy
| Stool Test | Urea Breath Test | Gastroscopy |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins result | 1-2 days result | Several days to 2 weeks result |
| At-home test | Test at clinics/hospitals | Test at clinics/hospitals |
| Collect stool sample | Collect breath sample | Collect stomach tissues |
| Empty stomach not required | No eating or drinking 6 hours before | No eating or drinking 6 hours before |
| No medication required | Take one carbon-13 pill | Sedation when necessary |
| Suitable for anyone | Some patients under medical treatment are not suited for testing | Consultation with doctor is recommended for some patients/pregnant women prior to testing |
| Test for H. pylori | Test for H. pylori | Detect upper gastrointestinal diseases |
| $248 | $600-$1,000 | >$5,000 |
