H. pylori IgG Antibodies Blood Test

Measures IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in blood. A positive result shows immune exposure but cannot reliably distinguish a current infection from a previous one; a stool-antigen or breath test is generally more useful for active infection and for checking whether treatment worked.

At a glance

• Sample: Capillary blood
• Collection: Collect a skin-prick blood sample using the supplied Home2Lab kit
• Estimated turnaround: 2 working days from laboratory receipt of a usable sample

What this test measures

H. pylori IgG antibodies

Antibodies produced after exposure to Helicobacter pylori. A positive result can reflect current or previous infection, so it is less suitable than a stool-antigen or breath test for confirming active infection or checking clearance after treatment. An in-range or out-of-range result is not a diagnosis by itself; clinicians interpret it using the laboratory range, symptoms, medical history and related tests.

How clinicians use this test

Clinicians can use H. pylori IgG as evidence of exposure, but antibodies may remain after the infection has cleared. Stool-antigen or urea-breath testing is generally preferred when the clinical question is whether active infection is present.

Is this the right test for you?

This may suit someone whose clinician specifically wants evidence of previous H. pylori exposure. Choose a stool-antigen or breath test instead when the main question is active infection or confirmation that treatment has cleared it.

Preparation and collection

Fasting is not required. Follow the supplied blood-collection instructions and return the sample as directed.

Understanding your result

A positive IgG result means antibodies were detected, but it cannot show whether the infection is active now. A negative result makes exposure less likely but can be affected by test performance and timing; symptoms may still require clinical assessment or a different H. pylori test.

Your results and next steps

Discuss a positive result or ongoing indigestion with a clinician, who may recommend stool-antigen or breath testing and assess whether treatment or further investigation is appropriate.

Limitations

H. pylori IgG may stay positive after an infection has cleared, so it cannot confirm active infection or successful treatment. It should not replace assessment of alarm symptoms or a more appropriate active-infection test.

When to get medical help

Do not wait for a home-test result if you feel seriously unwell. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or use NHS 111 when you need urgent advice and are unsure what to do.