H. pylori test
Checks for a common stomach bacteria that can cause pain, bloating, indigestion and ulcers - and is easily treated.
TypeBreath or stool
HowA breath test (drink a solution, then breathe into a bag) or a stool sample.
How oftenWhen symptoms appear, and after treatment to confirm it’s gone.
BeforeStop acid-reducing medicines ~2 weeks and antibiotics ~4 weeks before, if safe.
WhoPeople with upper-abdominal pain, indigestion or ulcers.
A common infection that can cause ulcers
H. pylori is a bacteria that lives in the stomach lining. Many people carry it without symptoms, but it can cause ulcers, indigestion and - rarely - stomach cancer. It’s treatable.
Blood antibodies
“What about a blood test?”
Can stay positive after the infection is gone - less useful.
Less useful
Stool test
“Is there an alternative?”
Accurate for a current infection.
Accurate
Breath test
“Do I have it now?”
Accurate for a current infection, and to confirm it’s cleared.
Best test
Some acid-reducing medicines and antibiotics affect results - ask about stopping them beforehand.
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You have upper-abdominal pain, burning or indigestion.
- You’ve had an ulcer.
- A family member had stomach cancer.
A better option if…
- Your symptoms are mainly lower-gut - see calprotectin or celiac testing.
How it’s measured
Urea breath test
Accurate and simple.
Stool antigen test
A home sample - also accurate.
Blood antibody test
Not recommended - stays positive after treatment.
The full picture
What is it?
A test for Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach.
What type of test is it?
A breath or stool test.
What does it measure?
Active H. pylori infection.
Why might someone consider it?
It’s a common, treatable cause of stomach pain and ulcers.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with upper-gut symptoms.
How is it performed?
Breath sample or stool sample.
How often might it be considered?
When symptoms appear, and after treatment.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether infection could explain your symptoms.
What are its limitations?
Recent antibiotics or acid-reducing medicines cause false negatives.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, ferritin and medication history.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Ordered with a collection kit you use at home.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Gastroenterology clinics
For ongoing or complex symptoms.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Should I stop any medicines before the test?
- Do I need a retest after treatment?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your H. pylori test result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your H. pylori test result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test