Reminder about H Pylori Antigen testing
H Pylori July 2026
Friday, 03 July 2026
Dear Clinicians, Colleagues and Healthcare Professionals,
When sending a sample for H Pylori antigen to microbiology please ensure that the actual time and date that the sample is collected written on the sample and the ICE request form.
Due to the level of sample degradation especially at room temperature, any samples which is > 48 hours old when received in the laboratory will have to be rejected because this may lead to false negative results, which in turn may lead to missed diagnosis, inappropriate clinical management, and the need for repeat testing.
We often find that the date and time on ICE form is the time that the form was printed off which can cause suitable samples, which can cause what would be suitable samples rejected.
If immediate transport is not possible, samples should be stored at 2–8°C and submitted with a comment that this has occurred.
Your help to maintain sample viability is greatly appreciated
Action now required:
Please cascade this information to all staff who take pathology samples in your areas.
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Stalley
Head of Operations
ESNEFT Pathology Department