Heli-C-CHECK rapid test for the detection of infection with Helicobacter – H.Pylori for home use to detect the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in whole blood. Heli-C-CHECK rapid test for Helicobacter infection is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor. Each kit contains everything needed to perform the test. These are an est cartridge, instructions for use, a bottle of sample dilution buffer solution, 1 automatic sterile lancet for convenient blood collection, a glass capillary tube, a pipette, an alcohol pad and a Hanzaplast. Results can be read within 10 minutes.

General information

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a type of gram-negative spiral bacterium of the genus Helicobacter that lives in our stomach. H. pylori infection is the most common chronic infection, spreading worldwide and more than 70% of the population in the developing world is thought to be infected. Most of the infections are acquired during childhood, and then after many years cause changes in the stomach lining. Due to the possibility of malignant changes in people infected with this bacterium, it is classified as a class 1 carcinogen.

What can infection with this bacteria cause?

More than 80% of people infected with the bacteria have no signs of infection. Infection with more aggressive strains of bacteria, their excessive growth and the presence of additional factors (unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol, certain medications and stress) can lead to various problems and some serious diseases. H. pylori has been found to be a major cause of chronic gastric mucosal disease and gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is also associated with the development of stomach cancer and gastric MALT lymphoma.

What are the symptoms?

Most infected people do not have any problems, so they do not even know they are infected. In about a fifth of those infected, the bacterium causes health problems. The most common are stomach pains, bloating especially after eating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss and digestive problems.

Who is testing recommended for?

Testing for H. pylori is especially recommended for anyone who has recurring stomach or colon problems. First-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer, patients with iron-deficiency anemia of no known cause, and patients with vitamin B12 deficiency should also be tested for the presence of the bacteria. Testing is also recommended for people on long-term aspirin or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This is because of the possibility of bleeding from ulcers.

In recent years, more and more people are talking about screening tests for the presence of this infection in young people. In them, the changes of the mucous membrane are still reversible. The meaning of such testing comes from the fact that stomach cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the world, and in countries with a higher prevalence of Helicobacter infection, stomach cancer is even more common. It is believed that about 89% of gastric cancer patients have Helicobacter infection, and as an additional factor that plays a role in the screening strategy is the fact that gastric cancer is usually detected when it is in an advanced stage.