Helicobacter pylori IgM antibodies
Detects IgM antibodies to Helicobacter pylori — early immune response antibodies usually appearing at the beginning of infection when organism first encounters the bacteria. May help suspect recent/primary H. pylori infection.
Important features:
- IgM is used less frequently than IgG since not all patients produce stable IgM;
- chronic gastritis more often shows IgG(+) while IgM may be negative;
- antibodies do not always precisely show current bacterial activity;
- for active infection confirmation, physician more often orders breath urea test, H. pylori stool antigen, or gastroscopy (FGDS) by indication.
Infection routes:
- contact-household (dishes/saliva);
- poor hand hygiene.
Recommended for:
- patients with regular stomach pain;
- chronic gastritis/peptic ulcer patients;
- worsening with food/stress;
- family with confirmed H. pylori infection (by physician prescription).
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Draw blood fasting (8-12 hours without food)
- Water is permitted
- Exclude fatty food and alcohol 24 hours before
- No smoking 30 minutes before
Medications: If taking antibiotics, bismuth preparations, proton pump inhibitors, hormonal drugs, or immunosuppressants — inform physician
Upper abdominal pain or burning;
- heartburn, acid reflux;
- heaviness after eating, nausea;
- suspected gastritis/peptic ulcer;
- frequent stomach complaints;
- suspected recent infection (by physician prescription).
Note: IgM antibodies are not the most accurate way to confirm active infection.
Physician considers symptoms and may order breath test/stool antigen.
Negative IgM — antibodies not detected (usually no early infection stage or infection is chronic/past).
Positive IgM — possible recent H. pylori infection.
At positive result: gastroenterologist consultation to clarify infection activity and select treatment scheme. Self-treatment with antibiotics prohibited.
Result on the day of the request
