3 Checks Before an H. pylori Test of Cure

Finishing an H. pylori prescription and arranging follow-up are two separate tasks. Keep the date you finished treatment with the appointment information.

Three checks before the test

1. Which test is ordered? Confirm whether the plan is a stool test, breath test or biopsy-based test, and where you will receive its preparation instructions. These are the methods identified for confirmation after treatment.¹
2. Is it far enough from antibiotic treatment? Testing should be at least four weeks after antibiotics finish. Give the team your actual completion date before booking.¹
3. What is the plan for acid suppression? Proton pump inhibitors and potassium-competitive acid blockers should be withheld for at least two weeks before the confirmation test. Ask the prescriber for a written plan; the guideline allows H2 blockers or antacids as a bridge when appropriate.¹

Make the result part of the plan

Write down who will review the result and how you will hear from them. Ask what happens if the test cannot go ahead on the planned date. Keep the treatment names, completion date and testing instructions together for that conversation.

Bloated by Dinner includes a Test-It list and visit script. Use them to keep your testing questions organized without treating the book as a prescription plan. See the book.