H Pylori IgA Blood test looks for IgA antibodies which develop in the body in response to infection with the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori). H Pylori is a bacteria commonly found in the stomach. It weakens the stomach’s natural protective lining making it more susceptible to damage from gastric acid. This can lead to the development of ulcers and in time, increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
The H Pylori Abs IgA test may be used to help determine the cause of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (first section of the small intestine) or to assess the cause of chronic gastritis. The H Pylori IgG test screens for antibodies which may remain present in the bloodstream even after an infection has been successfully treated.
A positive H. pylori stool antigen, breath test, or biopsy indicates that a person’s gastrointestinal pain is likely caused by a peptic ulcer due to these bacteria. A negative test result means that it is unlikely that the individual has an H. pylori infection and their signs and symptoms may be due to another cause.