Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacteria (microbe) responsible for causing most duodenal and gastric ulcers, and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis). The most accurate way to tell if you have an H. pylori infection is a tissue sample, called a biopsy, taken from the lining of the stomach.
To extract the tissue sample, a procedure called endoscopy is performed, which is done in the hospital.
Usually, a biopsy is taken to: be able to diagnose the ulcer, treat any bleeding, or make sure there is no cancer.
Tests to diagnose an H. pylori infection are done more frequently if:
- There is currently a gastroduodenal ulcer
- There was a gastroduodenal ulcer in the past and never tested for H. pylori
- After treatment for an H. pylori infection, to verify there are no more bacteria