Skip to main content
Medical information Clinical review pending

Gastroenterology Testing

Culture Helicobacter Pylori Test

This test detects the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a biopsy sample, helping diagnose infections linked to gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and gastritis.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

Ask a question
Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Gastric or duodenal biopsy tissue sample.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. This test typically requires a biopsy obtained during an endoscopy procedure.
Test priceKSh 3,042

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Culture Helicobacter Pylori Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

+254

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Persistent abdominal pain
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of peptic ulcers
  • ✓Chronic gastritis
  • ✓Bloating or belching
  • ✓Nausea or vomiting
  • ✓Unexplained weight loss
  • ✓History of H. pylori treatment with persistent symptoms
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a biopsy sample, aiding in the diagnosis of H. pylori-related gastrointestinal conditions.
The Culture Helicobacter Pylori Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the Helicobacter pylori bacterium in the stomach or duodenum. This bacterium is a common cause of conditions such as peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Detecting H. pylori early allows for appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and prevent potential complications.

This test involves culturing a biopsy sample taken during an endoscopy. The culture method allows for the identification of the bacteria.

Individuals experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from this test. It can help determine if H. pylori is the cause of their discomfort and guide treatment decisions.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. This test typically requires a biopsy obtained during an endoscopy procedure.
SampleGastric or duodenal biopsy tissue sample.
MethodologyConventional culture and automated identification of bacteria from biopsy specimens.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test requires a biopsy sample. It may not detect H. pylori if the bacterial load is low or if antibiotics were recently taken. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach problems, including inflammation (gastritis) and ulcers.
This test helps diagnose an H. pylori infection, which is often the cause of persistent stomach pain, ulcers, and other digestive issues.
A sample is collected via biopsy during an endoscopy procedure performed by a doctor.
A positive result indicates that H. pylori bacteria were found in your biopsy sample, suggesting an active infection.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking for specific turnaround times.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →
Chat on WhatsApp