Blood Antibody · Stool Antigen · H. pylori

Ulcer & H. pylori Test

Helicobacter pylori causes over 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70–80% of gastric ulcers. A simple blood or stool test identifies the infection — so treatment can eliminate the root cause, not just the symptoms.

2Test Methods
SameDay Results
90%Ulcer Cause
H. pylori Panel
H. pylori IgG Ab Reactive Positive
IgG Titre 48 U/mL >20 pos.
Stool Antigen Reactive Positive
Interpretation Active infection Treat

Two Ways to Detect H. pylori

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonises the stomach lining. Left untreated it causes ulcers, chronic gastritis, and — rarely — stomach cancer. Accurate testing is the first step to cure.

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Blood Antibody Test (IgG)

A serum IgG antibody test detects past or present H. pylori infection. It is the simplest method — a standard venous blood draw, same-day results, no special preparation. Limitation: antibodies persist for months after successful treatment, so it cannot confirm eradication; use stool antigen for test-of-cure.

  • No fasting required
  • Best for initial diagnosis
  • Sensitive: ~95% detection rate
  • Not suitable for post-treatment follow-up
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Stool Antigen Test (HpSA)

The stool H. pylori antigen (HpSA) test detects active proteins shed by live bacteria in the gut. It is the gold-standard non-invasive test — more accurate than blood IgG for active infection, and the preferred method to confirm eradication 4 weeks after completing antibiotic therapy.

  • Confirms active infection (not just past exposure)
  • Preferred test-of-cure method
  • Stop PPIs and antibiotics 2 weeks before
  • Small stool sample collected at home
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What H. pylori Does

H. pylori disrupts the stomach's protective mucus layer, allowing acid to damage the underlying tissue. Chronic colonisation leads to peptic ulcers, duodenitis, and MALT lymphoma. Eradication with a 14-day triple-therapy antibiotic regimen cures the majority of cases permanently.

  • Peptic ulcer disease (gastric & duodenal)
  • Chronic antral gastritis
  • Non-ulcer dyspepsia (functional)
  • Rarely: gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma

Do You Need This Test?

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Burning stomach pain, especially when empty Classic peptic ulcer pain — burning or gnawing, worse before meals and at night, relieved temporarily by food or antacids — warrants an H. pylori test.
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Persistent nausea, bloating, or indigestion Chronic dyspepsia that does not resolve with dietary change may be H. pylori-driven. Testing before empirical acid suppression avoids masking the diagnosis.
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Long-term antacid or PPI use If you have been on omeprazole or antacids for months without a clear diagnosis, testing for H. pylori identifies whether eradication therapy could resolve the problem.
Post-treatment confirmation After completing H. pylori eradication therapy, a stool antigen test 4–6 weeks later confirms the bacteria have been eliminated before symptoms can recur.
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Family history of stomach ulcer or cancer H. pylori spreads within households. First-degree relatives of people with peptic ulcer or gastric cancer should be screened proactively.
Test Comparison Guide
First-time diagnosis Either blood IgG or stool antigen is appropriate. Blood is simpler; stool is slightly more specific for active infection.
Test-of-cure (post-treatment) Only the stool antigen test is reliable for confirming eradication. Blood IgG stays positive for months after successful treatment.
Before the stool test Stop proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) 2 weeks before, and antibiotics 4 weeks before, to avoid false negatives.
Can't do stool? A urea breath test (UBT) is the other gold standard but not widely available in Lagos. Stool antigen is the practical equivalent.

Simple Steps for Accurate Results

1

Blood Test (IgG)

No fasting or special preparation required. Come in at any time of day. A small venous blood sample is taken, and results are ready the same day. No need to stop medications for the blood IgG test.

2

Stool Antigen Test

Stop proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole) for 2 weeks before the test, and antibiotics for 4 weeks before. Collect a small stool sample in the container we provide — no dietary restriction needed. Bring the sample to the lab within 4 hours or keep refrigerated (not frozen).

3

After Your Result

A positive result does not require immediate alarm — H. pylori is eminently treatable. Standard triple therapy (two antibiotics + a PPI for 10–14 days) achieves eradication in ~85–90% of cases. We will guide you on next steps and when to return for a test-of-cure.

More Than a Positive or Negative

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Both test methods available

We offer both blood IgG antibody and stool HpSA antigen tests. We help you choose the right method based on whether you're diagnosing or confirming eradication.

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Same-day results, explained clearly

Results include interpretation and next-step guidance — not just reactive/non-reactive. You'll understand what a positive result means for your management before you leave.

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Linked to treatment pathways

Our team advises on standard eradication regimens and when to schedule your follow-up stool antigen test — ensuring you don't just treat, but confirm cure.

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52 Sholanke Street, Akoka

Minutes from Yaba, Shomolu, and Bariga. Open Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM. Walk-ins welcome; WhatsApp booking also available.

"I had been taking antacids for over a year. Mascot tested me for H. pylori, it came back positive, I completed the antibiotic course, and now — six months later — no more stomach pain at all."

AO
A.O. Akoka, Lagos
✓ Blood IgG + Stool antigen available
✓ Same-day results
✓ Post-treatment test-of-cure supported
Book Your Ulcer & H. pylori Test

Find the Root Cause of Your Stomach Pain

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

No fasting for blood test  ·  Stool sample provided at home  ·  Walk-ins welcome Mon – Sat