Helicobacter pylori infects more than half the world's population and is the single most common cause of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Testing takes minutes. Treatment, a short antibiotic course, can eliminate lifelong stomach pain.
Detects H. pylori IgG antibodies in blood. Simple, same-day result. Limitation: antibodies persist for months after successful eradication, so cannot confirm active infection vs. past exposure. Best for initial screening.
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Stool Antigen Test (HpSA)
Detects active H. pylori antigen directly in a stool sample. More accurate than blood antibody testing, confirms active infection and is the preferred method for confirming eradication after treatment. Highly recommended.
When to Test
Five Reasons to Test for H. Pylori
01
Chronic Stomach Pain or Burning
Persistent epigastric pain: especially burning pain between meals or at night that improves with food or antacids, is a classic peptic ulcer presentation. H. pylori causes 80% of duodenal and 60% of gastric ulcers.
02
Nausea, Bloating, or Early Satiety
H. pylori-associated gastritis slows gastric emptying, causing persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, and nausea. Often misdiagnosed as IBS or stress. A simple test confirms or rules out H. pylori.
03
Unexplained Iron Deficiency Anaemia
H. pylori competes for iron absorption and causes microbleeding from gastric inflammation. It's a recognised cause of iron deficiency anaemia that doesn't respond to iron supplementation alone.
04
Long-Term NSAID or Aspirin Use
NSAIDs and H. pylori together multiply ulcer risk dramatically. Anyone starting long-term NSAID therapy, or who already takes them, should be tested and eradicated if positive.
05
Post-Treatment Confirmation
Eradication therapy fails in 10–20% of cases, especially with antibiotic resistance. Stool antigen testing 4–6 weeks after completing treatment confirms whether H. pylori has been eliminated.
H. Pylori Test Accuracy
Blood IgG
Sensitivity ~70%
Stool Antigen
Sensitivity ~94%
Post-treatment wait
4–6 weeks
⚕️ We recommend the stool antigen test for most patients. It confirms active infection and is suitable for post-eradication confirmation. Antibiotics must be stopped at least 2 weeks before testing.
Preparation
How to Prepare for Your H. Pylori Test
A few critical steps that prevent false-negative results, especially after treatment.
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Stop Antibiotics 2 Weeks Before
Antibiotics suppress H. pylori without eliminating it, causing false-negative stool antigen and breath test results. Stop all antibiotics at least 14 days before testing. Metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin all count.
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Stop PPIs 2 Weeks Before
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) suppress H. pylori activity, causing false-negative results in stool antigen and breath tests. Stop at least 14 days before testing (2 weeks).
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Fast 4 Hours Before (Stool/UBT)
For optimal stool antigen test accuracy, avoid food and drink for 4 hours before sample collection.
Why Choose Us
Trusted Gastric Testing in Akoka & Beyond
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Multiple Test Methods
Blood antibody, stool antigen: we offer the right method for your clinical situation, whether for initial diagnosis or post-eradication confirmation.
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Same-Day Stool Antigen Results
Our stool antigen test provides results the same day. You don't need to wait days to know if you have an active H. pylori infection.
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Post-Eradication Confirmation
After completing triple therapy, we retest with stool antigen to confirm eradication, the step most clinics skip but that prevents unrecognised treatment failure.
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Professional & Discreet
Digestive complaints can be embarrassing. Our team handles every test with professionalism and discretion, results delivered directly to you.
"I had stomach pain for two years. Three doctors gave me antacids and sent me home. Mascot Healthcare did an H. pylori stool antigen test, positive. Triple therapy for two weeks. Pain is gone completely. Simple test, simple cure."
Prices change, so we don't print them on this page. The current price is on our live price list, or call 0816 586 6252 to ask.
When are you open?
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We are closed on Sundays and Nigerian public holidays.
How should I prepare?
See our test and scan preparation guide. Good to know for this test: Stool antigen most sensitive; 2-week antibiotic washout. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp before you come.
Can I come here in an emergency?
No. We don't handle emergencies. For chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, heavy bleeding or any other emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
Do you accept HMO or health insurance?
Not at the moment. You pay at the clinic by cash, card, POS or bank transfer.