H. Pylori Antibody Test
Blood test that detects antibodies to Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach ulcers and gastritis.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This blood test detects IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining. H. pylori survives the stomach's harsh acidic environment by producing enzymes that neutralize surrounding acid, allowing it to establish a persistent infection in the mucosal layer. It is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide and a leading cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and a recognized risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
The antibody test identifies whether the immune system has mounted a response to H. pylori at any point. However, because IgG antibodies can remain elevated for months to years after successful treatment, a positive blood test cannot distinguish a current active infection from a past resolved one. For this reason, healthcare providers may supplement antibody testing with stool antigen tests or urea breath tests when confirming active infection or verifying that treatment has eradicated the bacteria.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing persistent stomach pain, especially burning or aching pain that may worsen on an empty stomach
- Those with symptoms of gastritis such as nausea, bloating, frequent burping, or upset stomach
- People with a family history of stomach cancer or peptic ulcer disease who want to assess their H. pylori exposure
- Individuals from high-prevalence areas including Africa, South America, Western Asia, or developing countries with poor sanitation
- Those who live in crowded conditions or lack access to clean water and sanitary living conditions
- People planning long-term use of NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen) who want to check for H. pylori before starting treatment
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this blood test. Individuals should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements they are taking, as some medications may potentially affect results.
Sample Type
The test requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or hand using a needle.
Collection
A trained phlebotomist will clean the injection site, insert a small needle to draw the required blood sample, and apply a bandage afterward. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the sample.
Understanding your results
Results are reported as positive or negative, typically with values above 20 U/mL considered positive for H. pylori antibody exposure. A negative result suggests that infection with H. pylori is unlikely, assuming no recent antibiotic treatment that could suppress the immune response. A positive result confirms that the immune system has encountered the bacterium but does not by itself confirm an active, ongoing infection, since antibodies can persist long after the bacteria have been cleared. Healthcare providers interpret results alongside symptoms (such as persistent stomach pain, bloating, or nausea) and may order additional tests to determine whether active infection is present.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (All Ages) | Negative: <20 U/mL | Values below this threshold typically indicate no significant antibody response to H. pylori |
| Adults (All Ages) | Positive: ≥20 U/mL | Values at or above this threshold suggest antibody response to H. pylori exposure |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low or negative H. pylori antibody levels suggest that no significant immune response to H. pylori bacteria has occurred. This typically means the individual has not been infected with H. pylori when the blood sample was taken. However, very recent infections may not yet have produced detectable antibody levels, and individuals with compromised immune systems might not mount a typical antibody response even with active infection.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated or positive H. pylori antibody levels indicate that the immune system has been exposed to H. pylori bacteria at some point. This may be associated with symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, and gastritis, though many people with H. pylori infection have no symptoms. Positive results may indicate increased risk for peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, chronic gastritis, and in rare cases, stomach cancer or gastric lymphoma. Additional testing is typically needed to determine if the infection is currently active.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your H. Pylori Antibody Test results are completely confidential and handled with the highest level of privacy protection. Results are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you specifically choose to share them, and they are <u>not part of your medical records</u> maintained by your healthcare provider. The test results will <u>not appear on your insurance statements</u> or Explanation of Benefits (EOB), ensuring complete financial privacy. Your employer, insurance company, or any third parties cannot access your results without your explicit written consent. LevelPanel maintains strict HIPAA compliance and uses advanced encryption to protect your personal health information throughout the entire testing process.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 86677
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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