Is A Biopsy Procedure Accurate In Detecting H.Pylori Infection?

Posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with h pylori by blood test. I had an endoscopy done showed stomach erosion but biopsies came back normal with no h pylori. I don't take much advil or drink. what else could cause the erosion. is a biopsy accurate with diagnosing h pylori?

thank you

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Biopsy is very accurate but can never be 100%, actually 83%.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

The cause of ulcers is excess acid that burns the intestinal walls. While H; Pylori is the most common cause, any condition that reduces the protection(Advil/alcohol), or increases acid secretion like coffee/caffeine/stress, etc. We will need to consider these as well. also, going long hours without eating could also favor this.

For now, you need to be on anti-acid medications. Most commonly used is lansoprazole, 40mg daily. Your doctor might add other medications depending on the nature of your exam.

Besides, what type of blood test was done? What is your current medication? Some blood tests for H.pylori might show false positive even long after treatment because of the nature of the test. Also, have you ever been treated for H. Pylori before?

Let me hear back from you and will provide more conclusive remarks on this.

Kind regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (22 minutes later)

I had my cbc checked and everything was normal. from the biopsey of stomach nothing was shown. I have been under a lot of stress, so maybe that's what causes it.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
What drugs are you on?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Stress might have been the cause. Let me know what drugs you are currently on. Keep me updated with your progress.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (28 minutes later)

I am taking Lexapro and metformin. could any of those cause damage?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NO!

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Are you not on any treatment for the ulcers? These are not drugs for stomach ulcers. Or, is your doctor still to send in your orders? I hope so.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (23 minutes later)

i am also on nexium

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
That's okay!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Am okay with Nexium on board. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy