H Pylori Antigen Stool

Test Code

HPSA

Alias/See Also

H. Pylori, HPylori, Stool Antigen, H Pylori Antigen

CPT Codes
87338

Preferred Specimen

STOOL (FEC)

Minimum Volume

Semi solid or formed stool in airtight container
diarrhea specimens not accepted.

Transport Container

The specimen should be transported in an airtight container and stored at 2-8 C until tested. The specimen should be tested as soon as possible, but may be held up to 72 hours at 2-8 C prior to testing. If testing cannot be performed within this time frame, specimens should be frozen immediately on receipt and stored frozen (<'20C) until tested. Specimens may be frozen and thawed twice.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8⁰ C, stable up to 72 hours.
Freeze at -20⁰

Setup Schedule

Daily

Limitations

NOTE: Stool in transport media, on swabs, or mixed with preservatives is not appropriate for testing.

NOTE: The following substances were found to have no effect on results when present in stool at the concentrations indicated below. However, antimicrobials, protein pump inhibitors and bismuth preparations are known to suppress H.pylori if taken within 2 weeks of performing this test - and presumably if present in higher concentrations than listed below. If the test is positive, it is considered accurate. If test is negative it is best to repeat in 2 weeks after discontinuation of the medication.

Non-interfering at these levels: Tums antacid (5 mg/ml), Tagamet (5 mg/ml), Prilosec (5 mg/ml), Mylanta Antacid (1:20), Pepto-Bismol (1:20), Barium sulfate (5%), Whole Blood (50%), Leukocytes (50%), Mucin (3.4%), Stearic acid/palmitic acid (fecal fat) (4%), Hemoglobin (tarry stool) (12.5%).

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

The stool antigen detection is intended to aid in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and to demonstrate loss of H. pylori stool antigen following treatment. Conventional medical practice recommends that testing by any method to confirm loss of antigen be done at least four weeks following completion of therapy.

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.