Helicobacter Pylori Tests: Risks

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Risks

Blood antibody test

There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from a vein.

• You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
• In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.
• Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other medicines that thin your blood can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.

Urea breath test

There are no known risks or complications with a urea breath test. If radioactive carbon is used, the amount of radioactivity exposure is extremely small—less than you normally get from being outside during the day.

Stool antigen test

There are no risks or complications with a stool sample. However, if you do not wash your hands well after collecting the sample, you may spread germs.

Stomach biopsy

There is a slight risk (1 in 10,000) of puncturing the wall of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum during an endoscopy to collect stomach biopsy samples. The biopsy may also cause some bleeding at the site where the samples are collected. However, the bleeding usually stops without treatment. For more information, see the medical test Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

After the test

After the test, you may belch and feel bloated for a while. You also may have a tickling, dry throat; slight hoarseness; or a mild sore throat. These symptoms may last several days. Throat lozenges and warm saltwater gargles can help relieve the throat symptoms. Do not drink alcohol after the test.

After the test, contact your doctor immediately if you:

• Vomit blood or notice black or bloody stools.
• Have trouble swallowing or talking.
• Are short of breath or have a fast heartbeat.
• Have increasing chest or abdominal pain.
• Have neck or shoulder pain.
• Have a fever.

Last updated:	January 11, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Andrew H. Soll, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC