Helicobacter pylori Test: Materials, Procedures and Results Interpretations
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive tracts on entrance into the immune system. After many years, it can attack and weaken the protective mucus of the stomach and duodenum which secures you from the acid the body uses to digest food.
When the bacteria have done enough damage, acid can get through to the lining beneath causing sores called Ulcers. Helicobacter pylori can be gotten from food and water, mostly in countries with contaminated water and poor sewage system, or through contact with saliva, vomit, faecal matter and body fluid of an infected person.
Contents
How to check or know if you are having Helicobacter pylori or ulcer
There is need to check yourself to know if you are having ulcer or if the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori is present in your body.
To check if you are having ulcer, Helicobacter pylori test needs to be conducted. The aim of the test is to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori from blood samples.
Materials used in carrying out Helicobacter pylori test
- Test cassette
- Sample (Venous blood)
- Buffer
- Timer
- Pipette
Procedures used to carry out Helicobacter pylori test
First Procedure
- Take the blood sample
- Spin the blood using a centrifuge for 10 minutes
- Pipette a little volume of the serum (from centrifugation) into a plain tube.
- Add 2-3 drops of the serum using Pasteur pipette into the sample region of the Helicobacter pylori test cassette.
- Place the test cassette on a flat surface.
- Observe for the coloured lines for five minutes.
Second Procedure
- Tear out the testing device and pipette.
- Fill the specimen (blood) into the pipette.
- Add 2-3 drops of the blood into the specimen port.
- Add 2 drops of buffer into the port.
- Allow 10 minutes for reaction to occur.
Results after Helicobacter pylori test and its interpretation
- Positive: Two coloured line appear in the window under the mark T (test) and C (control).
- Negative: Only one coloured line appears under the mark C (control)
- Invalid: No line appears or a coloured line appears under the mark T (test) only.
In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori is a treatable infection. Early diagnosis and treatment is the most effective way to prevent the Helicobacter pylori. Do not starve yourself much but eat always.