What does a positive HP test mean?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc.BSCK II Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist, Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.
A positive HP test means you already have HP bacteria in your stomach. Tests used to diagnose HP bacteria include: Endoscopy, histopathology, breath test, stool test, blood test...

1. What does HP positive mean?

After performing the tests, if the result is positive for HP bacteria, it means that you have HP bacteria in your stomach. if negative means there is no Hp bacteria in your stomach.
Several methods are used to test for HP bacteria in the stomach such as gastroscopy, rapid urea test, stool test, blood test,... Each type of test has positive HP evaluation criteria. and have different exact results.
According to a recent study, the rate of people infected with HP bacteria in our country is up to 70%. In Hanoi, there are more than 700 cases of HP infection for every 1,000 people. In Ho Chi Minh City, 90% of people with gastritis have the impact of HP bacteria.

2. Testing methods for HP

An HP test is done to determine if you have an HP infection in your stomach and duodenum. Helicobacter pylori can cause stomach ulcers, but not all people infected with the bacteria get sick. Therefore, it is very important to test positive for HP bacteria. There are 4 different tests conducted to detect HP bacteria:
Blood test : The patient's blood is taken as a specimen. Check to see if the body has antibodies against HP bacteria. If the result has antibodies to HP bacteria in the blood, it means that you have HP bacteria.

Breath test: The stomach plays an important role in the digestion of food, normally in the stomach is a fairly strong acidic environment, besides the stomach is the body's natural protective barrier against harmful effects. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, etc. enter the body through the mouth. Thanks to the acidic environment, when the virus enters the stomach, it does not last long. However, HP bacteria are bacteria that have many characteristics that distinguish them from many other types of bacteria. HP bacteria secrete urease enzyme, and this enzyme has the ability to neutralize acids, thanks to this factor, HP can survive for a long time in the acidic environment of the stomach, not being destroyed by stomach acid.
After undergoing urease hydrolysis of HP bacteria in the stomach, it will produce the end products of ammonia and carbon dioxide (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2) will be absorbed into the blood by the circulatory system and go to the lungs. and is excreted to the outside through the airways. Therefore, performing a breath test can detect whether you have an HP infection through a special measuring device with the parameter DPM (resolution of radioactive material in one minute).
DPM<50: HP bacteria negative DPM from 50-199: HP bacteria positive or negative DPM > 200: HP bacteria positive
Currently, the most common breath testing technique is using the carbon isotope 13C or 14C. Measure the concentration of CO2 in the breath without taking drugs containing 13C or 14C isotopes, then measure again when taking drugs containing the above 2 isotopes. Based on the difference in CO2 concentration between the two times, it is possible to make a diagnosis whether the patient is infected with HP bacteria or not. The diagnostic breath test technique is very accurate, about 90-98% without invasive testing, so performing a breath test is now receiving the attention of many patients.
However, it should be noted, carbon isotope 14C is a radioactive isotope, so it cannot be used for pregnant or lactating women, children. The carbon 13C isotope is not a radioactive isotope, so it can be assigned to all objects.
Currently, at the hospitals of the Vinmec International General Hospital system, with the leading type of machine with 2 airbags, 13C carbon isotope is used in breath test to diagnose HP bacteria, for diagnostic value up to more than 95% while ensuring patient safety.
Stool antigen test: Perform a stool antigen test to check for substances that activate the immune system against HP bacteria. The results of this test are intended to aid in the diagnosis of HP infection or to see if the treatment of an infected patient has been effective. Perform a gastric biopsy: Through an endoscope, a small test sample is taken from the lining of the stomach and small intestine. The biopsies collected will be subjected to various tests to see if HP bacteria are present.

3. When should HP test be performed?

Testing is needed when you have stomach pain or signs and symptoms of an ulcer. Some of the symptoms include:
Repeated abdominal pain. Unexplained weight loss. Belching. Feeling of fullness and bloating. Nausea. In addition to the above symptoms, there are a few more severe symptoms such as severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood.

4. What to do when HP is positive

When the HP test is positive, you should not be too worried, because not every HP infection will cause health problems. According to statistics, only about 20% of people infected with HP have stomach diseases, this also depends on many other factors such as location, bacterial toxins, age, diet. , living, using drugs.
In the following cases, it is imperative to destroy HP bacteria to avoid getting sick and preventing dangerous complications that may occur:
Patients with stomach diseases such as: stomach ulcers, atrophy of the mucous membranes. gastric mucosa, partially operated gastric cancer. People who have an immediate family member with stomach cancer. Anemia has ruled out other causes. Patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Patients often have to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, antiplatelet agents. People who live in areas with high rates of stomach cancer. People who are too worried about HP bacteria also need to destroy them. With the above cases, it is imperative to follow the regimen to kill HP bacteria with antibiotics and drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion. However, currently, effective antibiotic regimens are decreasing due to the increase in drug-resistant bacteria, along with the phenomenon of infection and re-infection with drug-resistant HP bacteria.
The increase in drug-resistant bacteria is due to the fact that patients do not follow the right regimen, leave it in the middle, then there will be resistant bacteria, they will multiply quickly and can infect other people. is different. Therefore, once the treatment is completed, the patient must adhere to the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
Depending on the specific condition of each patient, the specialist will decide whether treatment is necessary or not, if so, what regimen should be used. Therefore, when the HP test is positive, talk to specialists for the most effective treatment.

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