Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Stool Antigen Test
A laboratory test that identifies bacteria present in burn wounds to guide appropriate treatment.
{"This test detects and identifies bacteria causing infection in burn wounds","A sample is collected from the burn site and sent to a laboratory for analysis","Results help doctors choose the most effective antibiotics for treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 603-1
- Short code
- BURNCX
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Burn Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container for tissue or swab specimens; sterile transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium) for swabs; sterile screw-capped container for aspirated fluids or biopsy tissue
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 442125009
- Specimen volume
- Adequate tissue sample (at least 0.5 g of burn eschar or tissue) OR swabs in transport medium OR 1-5 mL of aspirated fluid; minimum volume required depends on specimen type
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours maximum for optimal organism viability; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours in transport medium; do not freeze specimens intended for culture
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test checks for an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common bacterium that settles in the stomach lining and can cause gastritis, stomach ulcers, and long-lasting indigestion or discomfort.
The Bacteria Identified in Burn by Culture test is a laboratory examination that detects and identifies specific bacteria present in burn wounds. When skin is burned, it becomes vulnerable to infection from various bacteria. This test helps healthcare providers identify exactly which bacteria are causing an infection so they can prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
Your doctor will ask you to provide a small stool sample. You will collect it at home in a clean container following the instructions given to you, and then return it to the laboratory within the recommended time frame.
A healthcare professional will gently swab the burn wound or collect a small tissue sample from the affected area. The sample is then placed in a sterile container and sent to a laboratory. In the lab, the sample is cultured (grown) to allow bacteria to multiply and be identified. This process typically takes 24-72 hours.
This test is performed to find out whether H. pylori is causing symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or loss of appetite, and to help your doctor choose the most appropriate treatment, often involving antibiotics.
This test is performed when a healthcare provider suspects a bacterial infection in a burn wound. Signs of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Identifying the specific bacteria helps doctors select the most effective antibiotic and monitor for antibiotic-resistant organisms.
A positive result means H. pylori bacteria were detected in your sample, which suggests an active infection that may require antibiotic treatment. A negative result means the bacteria were not found, and your doctor may explore other causes of your symptoms.
Results will show which specific bacteria were found in the burn wound culture. Common bacteria found in burn infections include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various gram-negative bacteria. If no bacteria are grown (negative culture), it may mean the wound is not infected or that antibiotics are already working.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; presence of normal skin flora (e.g., coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species) is not considered clinically significant. Results reported as organism identification with colony description and quantitation when applicable.N/A
No special patient preparation required. The burn wound should be cleaned and debrided of topical antimicrobial agents when clinically feasible prior to specimen collection. Specimens should be collected prior to administration of systemic antibiotics when possible to maximize recovery of organisms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Burn wounds are highly susceptible to infections due to the loss of the skin's protective barrier. Bacterial infections in burns can lead to sepsis, delayed healing, scarring, and in severe cases, death. This culture test is critical for: (1) Identifying the causative organism of infection, (2) Guiding targeted antibiotic therapy, (3) Detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA, (4) Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, and (5) Preventing the spread of infection to other body areas.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Can I have this test if I'm already taking antibiotics?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy