Helicobacter pylori, Culture with Reflex to Susceptibility
Also known as: H pylori
Use
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from biopsy specimens provides definitive evidence of infection and allows for targeted antimicrobial therapy if susceptibility testing is performed. This test supports the management of patients with suspected H. pylori infection, especially in cases of treatment failure or when antibiotic resistance is a concern.
Special Instructions
This is a true reflex: if Helicobacter pylori is isolated on culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC) will be performed automatically at an additional charge. Ensure proper specimen collection: gastric or duodenal biopsy of 1–3 mm in Brucella broth or TSB with glycerol, or tissue in sterile non‑bacteriostatic saline refrigerated. Time-sensitive handling is critical; limited stability—collections only Sun–Thu, must arrive Friday before 10 AM.
Limitations
Culture may fail to isolate H. pylori even when present if transport or specimen handling is suboptimal. Limited stability of specimens; transport delays or improper temperature handling may lead to failure. Specimens such as stool or swabs are unacceptable and will be rejected. Frozen at –20 °C or improper media may compromise recovery.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
8-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tumor Tissue
Volume
1‑3 mm
Minimum Volume
1 mm
Container
Brucella broth or Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) with 10‑20% glycerol; sterile non‑bacteriostatic saline acceptable
Collection Instructions
Biopsy collected in broth with glycerol or tissue in sterile saline; keep on wet ice; deliver to lab immediately; glycerol located in lab refrigerator top shelf
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated acceptable; glycerol frozen at ≤ ‑70 °C if used
Causes for Rejection
Transport swab with or without gel; specimens frozen at ‑20 °C; stool
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 48 Hours |
| Frozen | 5 Days for glycerol only |