Is it possible to be diagnosed with H. pylori without an endoscopy test?

[Borelis]

Is it possible to be diagnosed with H. pylori without an endoscopy test?

Can the presence/absence of H. pylori be confirmed via blood or stool tests or do those tests only work alongside an endoscopy to confirm?

Hi Borelis. The most accurate non invasive way would be a stool or breath test. These would show active h pylori infection. During an endoscopy, biopsies are taken which would confirm, but this is an invasive procedure. I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but the non invasive testing should be a first port of call.

H pylori is usually tested with a stool test now in the uk (blood test has been used in the past). No need for an endoscopy to make the diagnosis.

You can have a Carbon Urea breath test. Endoscopy is not usually the first line clinical investigation unless symptoms other than dyspepsia. Further investigations can be indicated if breath test is negative or H. Pylori does not resolve with antibiotics.

I've has a stool test for it