Common Test-Ordering Errors
Part 7: Overordered Microbiology Tests
Helicobacter pylori IgM
Stool Ova & Parasites
H pylori IgM (and IgA) Not Useful
October 2010
Regarding serology tests, because H pylori is a chronic infection, by the time symptoms occur, the infection has been present for some time and, therefore, IgG is consistently positive. Furthermore, a negative IgM does not rule-out active infection. That is, patients with active infection can have negative IgM results. Also, IgM levels should not be used as a test of cure, as the IgM may remain positive despite eradication of the organisms. Consequently, the use of IgM (or IgA for that matter) adds little to the assessment.
H pylori IgM (and IgA) Not Useful |
Jump to section:
- Introduction
- Testing at Mayo Medical Laboratories
- Common MML Test-Ordering Errors
- Common Microbiology Test-Ordering Problems
- Helicobacter pylori
- H pylori IgM (and IgA) Not Useful
- H pylori Diagnostic Algorithm
- H pylori Diagnostic Algorithm
- Ova and Parasite
- Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm
- Initial Testing in Patients with Watery Diarrhea
- Conclusion
- Questions?
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