Helicobacter Pylori IgA Test
Short Name: H. Pylori IgA
Also known as: H. Pylori IgA Antibody Test, Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin A Test, H. pylori Serology IgA, Anti-H. pylori IgA Antibody
Helicobacter Pylori IgA Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,872. Uses Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) on Serum samples. Results in Same-day reports available for samples collected on Monday and Thursday before 9 AM.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Helicobacter pylori IgA test is to detect the presence of IgA antibodies against H. pylori in the blood, which helps in the initial screening and diagnosis of H. pylori infection. This test aids clinicians in evaluating patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, monitoring the mucosal immune response to the infection, and assisting in clinical decision-making regarding the need for further confirmatory testing or initiation of eradication therapy. It is particularly useful in populations where endoscopy may not be readily available or as a complementary test alongside other diagnostic modalities.
- Test Code
- 694
- CPT Code
- 86677
- ICD Code
- K29.71
- Price
- ₹1,872
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Same-day reports available for samples collected on Monday and Thursday before 9 AM.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Sample Collection
No special preparation or fasting is required before the Helicobacter pylori IgA test. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, especially antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or immunosuppressive drugs, as these may affect test results.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using standard venipuncture technique. The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes. You may feel a brief prick when the needle is inserted.
Report Delivery
After sample collection, slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site is normal and typically resolves within a few hours. Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or bandage. You can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.
Timeline: Same-day reports available for samples collected on Monday and Thursday before 9 AM.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Helicobacter pylori IgA test is to detect the presence of IgA antibodies against H. pylori in the blood, which helps in the initial screening and diagnosis of H. pylori infection. This test aids clinicians in evaluating patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, monitoring the mucosal immune response to the infection, and assisting in clinical decision-making regarding the need for further confirmatory testing or initiation of eradication therapy. It is particularly useful in populations where endoscopy may not be readily available or as a complementary test alongside other diagnostic modalities.
How to Prepare
- No fasting is required prior to sample collection
- Inform the phlebotomist about any medications or supplements you are currently taking
- Wear loose-fitting sleeves to facilitate easy blood draw from the arm
- Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water before sample collection
- Report any history of adverse reactions to blood draws
- Sample collected in 2 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 SST
- Ship sample refrigerated or frozen as per laboratory guidelines
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"The H. pylori IgA antibody test is a useful serological tool for detecting current or recent infection with Helicobacter pylori. IgA antibodies indicate mucosal immune response and may remain elevated for prolonged periods. While this test is valuable for initial screening, it should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and may need confirmation with non-invasive tests such as the urea breath test or stool antigen test, especially to confirm eradication after treatment. Consult your gastroenterologist for a comprehensive evaluation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples may be rejected
- Sample collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST)
- Sample volume less than 1 mL
- Sample received at room temperature beyond acceptable transit time
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
- Contaminated samples
Understanding Your Results
Negative (< 7.5 U/mL)
No detectable IgA antibodies against H. pylori. This suggests no current or past mucosal immune response to H. pylori. However, early infection before seroconversion cannot be excluded.
Equivocal (7.5 - 12.5 U/mL)
Borderline antibody levels detected. Repeat testing after 2-4 weeks is recommended. Consider additional confirmatory testing such as urea breath test or stool antigen test.
Positive (> 12.5 U/mL)
Elevated IgA antibodies against H. pylori detected, indicating current or recent infection. Colonization with H. pylori is associated with increased risk of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancies. Clinical correlation and further evaluation by a gastroenterologist is recommended.
Consult your doctor if you experience persistent abdominal pain, chronic indigestion, unexplained nausea or vomiting, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, or if your H. pylori IgA test returns a positive or equivocal result. A gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications (triple or quadruple therapy).
Limitations
- ⚠This test detects antibodies and cannot differentiate between current active infection and past exposure
- ⚠Not suitable for confirming eradication of H. pylori after treatment due to persistence of antibodies
- ⚠May produce false-negative results in immunocompromised patients
- ⚠Cross-reactivity with other Campylobacter species has been reported in some assays
- ⚠Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests
- ⚠Sensitivity and specificity may vary depending on the population and geographic prevalence of infection
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk associated with blood draw
- ●Slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site
- ●Rarely, dizziness or lightheadedness during blood collection
- ●Extremely rare risk of infection at the puncture site
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent use of antibiotics (particularly within 4 weeks) may affect antibody levels
- ●Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and bismuth-containing medications may interfere with interpretation
- ●Immunosuppressive therapy or conditions affecting the immune system may produce false-negative results
- ●Cross-reactivity with other bacterial infections may occasionally produce false-positive results
- ●Serological tests cannot distinguish between active and past infection
- ●Recent blood transfusions may potentially alter antibody levels
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Helicobacter Pylori IgA Test | H. Pylori IgG Test | Urea Breath Test (UBT) | H. Pylori Stool Antigen Test | Gastric Biopsy with Histology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Helicobacter Pylori IgA Test | IgG indicates systemic immune response; IgA indicates mucosal immune response. Both detect antibodies but IgA may better reflect mucosal colonization. | UBT is a non-invasive test that detects active infection by measuring carbon dioxide in breath. It is considered the gold standard for confirming eradication and is more specific for current infection. | Stool antigen test detects H. pylori proteins directly in stool. It is more suitable for confirming eradication after treatment compared to antibody-based tests. | Gastric biopsy obtained via endoscopy is the most definitive diagnostic method, allowing direct visualization and culture of the organism, but is invasive and more expensive. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Helicobacter Pylori IgA Test?
What is the cost of the H. Pylori IgA Test at DNA Labs India?
How is the H. Pylori IgA Test performed?
Do I need to fast before the H. Pylori IgA Test?
What does a positive H. Pylori IgA result mean?
Can the H. Pylori IgA Test confirm if the infection has been cured?
What are the common symptoms of H. pylori infection?
Is the H. Pylori IgA Test available for home sample collection?
How soon will I get my H. Pylori IgA Test results?
What is the difference between the H. Pylori IgA and IgG tests?
Is H. pylori infection contagious?
Is the H. Pylori IgA Test covered by insurance in India?
Related Tests
Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
Book Your Test
Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.