Will doctors do a h-pylori test or do we need to do these privately?

[diagnosed2013]

Hi...just looking into other thoughts on stomach issues I'm having, will the gp do a h-pylori stool test if I ask or is it best to do this via online testing? thanks for any help....

[Rexz]

Here in the US they should test as standard protocol. But if not just ask. Not sure about UK. It important to test for and if necessary eradicate H-pylori since ~98% of gastritis is H-Pylori related. AIG related Gastritis is maybe 1 to 1.5 % of all gastritis seen. However, there is some thought and debate that prolonged H-pylori infection can also lead to AIG. This would show up as Pangastritis where the Antrum, Corpus, and Fundus are involved.

So if they don't test for this then, yes, ask for it.

Also, if they have done and endoscopy/gastroscopy they will test/stain biopsy tissue samples for H-pylori. So make sure you get a copy of your pathology report so you can see what they've done.

Rexz

[diagnosed2013 in reply to Rexz]

Thanks for your reply....I'm in the UK. I've had a faecal calprotectin test & that was a bit over what it should be, doctor said to re test in 6 weeks. I guess just trying to see if there's other issues that could be causing my bowel issues.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

GUTS UK ( a UK charity) might have some useful info.

They have info on many gut conditions.

gutscharity.org.uk/

I found lots of info when I searched online for "NHS H Pylori".

I have read research articles that suggest there may be an association between H Pylori infection and PA (Pernicious Anaemia). Search online for "H Pylori pernicious anaemia" for more info.

If you have gut issues, have you ever been tested for PA (Pernicious Anaemia) and Coeliac disease? Both of these autoimmune conditions can cause gut symptoms.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS membership is separate to membership of this forum.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS website has lots of useful leaflets.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS have support groups in UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

I think non members can attend some meetings but check with PAS or support group co-ordinators.

Coeliac UK website

coeliac.org.uk/information-...

Their website has an online assessment for coeliac disease.

isitcoeliacdisease.org.uk/

NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) has published a guideline on coeliac disease.

Search online for "NICE coeliac disease NG20".

I mentioned on your other thread that there is a new NICE guideline for B12 deficiency.

It uses the term autoimmune gastritis rather than pernicious anaemia.

Search online for "NICE B12 deficiency NG239".

GPs sometimes won't accept private blood test results but if the private tests show something significant it should nudge them to order the same tests or refer you to someone who can order them.

Link about faecal calprotectin test

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

I hope you find answers.

[diagnosed2013 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Many thanks for all the info...lots to read, & look into thank you 😊....I'm going to have an mma test next week, paid to get it done privately as my gp says my serum b12 is fine, was 385 back in June & after a month or so of b12 supplement with folate its now 410. But I have so many deficiency symptoms & the back pain (I have spinal stenosis) & numbness in legs & pins & needles in hands is really getting me down now its been going on for ages. So trying to get some tests done to see what's going on. Thank you so much for all your help, it's great.

[diagnosed2013 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you for you help its very much appreciated...sorry to add this on, only my son had his test results back today & looks like an autoimmune thyroid but I was worried about his b12 levels...they are low, doxtor I don't think has mentioned this yet with everything else going on. His tsh was actually 150! & low T4 3.2 I think that was. Here's his b12 test. I'm thinking with it that low should he ask the doctor for b12 injections? Or to get tested properly for PA? I've not had a great experience with doctors at all, so I'm glad they are taking him seriously....

B12

[Nackapan]

Yes that low b12 result should be addressed. Not sure what m4adurement used?

My NHS serum B12 test ( first one ever)

Was 106ng/L ( 200-900)

I was put on b12 injections.

Yes IFAB test shoukd be done before treatment commences

Hooe he had vit D levels checked and ferritin/ iron too

[Sailinglady]

Yes, if you have symptoms of gastritis, your gp should be happy to check for h.pylori.