Helicobacter pylori infection is the leading cause of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer in Lagos. It is highly prevalent across Nigeria — yet simple, affordable testing makes it easy to detect and treat. Get accurate H. pylori testing in Lagos with results ready same day or next day.
H. pylori infection is endemic in Lagos — estimated prevalence exceeds 50% in some adult populations. We offer three diagnostic approaches, ranging from the non-invasive stool antigen test (gold standard) to blood antibody serology and the rapid urease assay.
The stool H. pylori antigen (HpSA) test is the non-invasive gold standard recommended by European and Lagos gastroenterology guidelines. It detects active H. pylori infection by identifying bacterial antigens shed into the stool — unlike the blood antibody test, it confirms current infection. It is also the preferred test of cure: repeat the stool antigen 4–8 weeks after completing eradication therapy to confirm successful treatment.
The H. pylori IgG antibody blood test detects exposure to H. pylori but cannot distinguish active current infection from past resolved infection — antibodies persist for years after eradication. This makes serology less useful as a test of cure, but it remains valuable for rapid screening in Lagos patients with dyspepsia who have never been tested. It requires no special preparation and gives same-day results.
The rapid urease test (CLO test) exploits H. pylori's high urease activity — the enzyme it uses to survive the acidic stomach environment. A tissue sample or a stool specimen is incubated with urea; urease converts urea to ammonia, raising pH and producing a colour change. Results in 30–60 minutes. Highly specific (>95%) for active infection. Requires the same 2-week antibiotic/PPI washout as the stool antigen test.
For the stool antigen test and rapid urease test: stop any antibiotics (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole) at least 14 days before testing. PPIs suppress H. pylori activity and significantly reduce sensitivity. H2-blockers (ranitidine, famotidine) should also be stopped 48 hours before testing if possible.
For the stool antigen test, bring a fresh stool specimen collected into a clean, dry container that morning. The sample should be pea-sized or larger. Do not use chemical toilet cleaners or contaminate the sample with urine or water. Refrigerate (not freeze) if you cannot bring it within 2–3 hours. Our Lagos laboratory accepts same-morning specimens.
The H. pylori IgG blood antibody test requires no fasting, no medication changes, and no special preparation. A simple blood draw provides same-day results. Remember that a positive blood antibody result indicates past or current exposure — it does not confirm active infection, and it cannot be used to confirm eradication. Use the stool antigen test for those purposes.
We offer stool antigen test, blood antibody (IgG serology), and rapid urease assay — so the right test is chosen for your clinical situation. Test of cure? Stool antigen. Rapid screening? Serology. Confirmation of active infection? Rapid urease or stool antigen.
Blood antibody results are available the same day. Stool antigen results are available within 24–48 hours. We advise on eradication regimens (triple or bismuth-based quadruple therapy) available in Lagos, so you leave with a clear action plan.
A positive H. pylori result is the beginning, not the end. We explain what your result means, which Lagos eradication regimen is appropriate, and when to return for a test of cure. Lagos patients with resistant H. pylori or recurrent symptoms are guided on further investigation.
52 Sholanke Street, Akoka — central to the Lagos Mainland and easily reached from Lagos Island and Lekki. Open Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM. WhatsApp booking for minimal waiting time.
"I had been having stomach pain for months and was just taking omeprazole from the pharmacy. Came to Mascot for the H. pylori stool test — came back positive. After completing triple therapy, I retested and it was clear. The pain is completely gone. Finally an actual diagnosis."
Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays