Question:

Recently, I had an H.Pylori IgM (Fasting) test run. Results of < .89 are considered negative. My test result was .56

Three quick questions…

1. Is this result borderline and would a retest be appropriate?

2. Why is there a positive number at all, instead of a 0?

3. Is it possible that taking Pepto-Bismol and Cimetidine for several days just before the test was done could have lowered the result producing a false negative?

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed!

Answer:

I do not think a retest is appropriate. You are clearly below the positive number and therefore do not think it is a false positive. As to why not 0, I cannot answer that. Our hospital either reports results as positive or negative without a number associated with it. The only meds that have been shown to cause false negative results are proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prevacid…) Cimeditine is something you are actually allowed to take before testing for h. pylori so should not cause a false negative.

For more information:

Go to the Digestive Disorders health topic.