Test Code HELIS Helicobacter pylori Culture with Antimicrobial Susceptibilities, Varies
Useful For
Recovery of Helicobacter pylori from gastric specimens for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the organism (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole and tetracycline are routinely tested)
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
GID | Bacteria Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (BIll Only) | No |
MIC | Sensitivity, MIC | No, (Bill Only) | No |
SUS | Susceptibility | No, (Bill Only) | No |
ISAE | Aerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
HPCR1 | H pylori + Clarithro Resistance PCR | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charged.
When Helicobacter pylori is isolated, identification will be confirmed and susceptibility testing performed. The routine susceptibility panel includes amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline.
In the event that an isolate of Helicobacter pylori does not grow for susceptibility testing, reflex testing for Helicobacter pylori with HPCR1 / Clarithromycin Resistance with Clarithromycin Resistance Prediction, Molecular Detection, PCR (Bill Only) may be added.
For test utilization options, see Helicobacter pylori Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Reporting Name
Helicobacter pylori Culture + SuscSpecimen Type
VariesShipping Instructions
Specimen must be received in laboratory within 48 hours of collection. Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required; include the specific anatomic source.
Specimen Required
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Gastric biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Acquire biopsied tissue; moisten with sterile saline.
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Gastric brushings or gastric aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL or 0.5 × 0.2 × 0.2-cm sized piece of tissue
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
Reject Due To
Biopsy submitted in fluid other than sterile saline | Reject |
Reference Values
No growth after 7 days
Susceptibility results are reported as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in mcg/mL and as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant according to breakpoint setting organizations, either the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) or the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), as applicable.
Susceptible:
A category defined by a breakpoint that implies that isolates with an MIC at or below or a zone diameter at or above the susceptible breakpoint are inhibited by the usually achievable concentrations of antimicrobial agent when the dosage recommended to treat the site of infection is used, resulting in likely clinical efficacy.
Intermediate:
A category defined by a breakpoint that includes isolates with MICs or zone diameters within the intermediate range that approach usually attainable blood and tissue levels and/or for which response rates may be lower than for susceptible isolates.
Note: The intermediate category implies clinical efficacy in body sites where the drugs are physiologically concentrated or when a higher than normal dosage of a drug can be used. This category also includes a buffer zone, which should prevent small, uncontrolled, technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretations, especially for drugs with narrow pharmacotoxicity margins.
Resistant:
A category defined by a breakpoint that implies that isolates with an MIC at or above the resistant breakpoint are not inhibited by the usually achievable concentrations of the agent with normal dosage schedules and/or that demonstrate MICs that fall in the range in which specific microbial resistance mechanisms are likely, and clinical efficacy of the agent against the isolate has not been reliably shown in treatment studies.(Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. 30th ed. CLSI supplement M100. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2020)
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87081-Helicobacter pylori culture
87077-Bacteria identification (if appropriate)
87153-Aerobe Ident by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)
87181-Susceptibility (if appropriate)
87186-Sensitivity, MIC (if appropriate)
87150-H pylori + Clarithro Resistance PCR (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
HELIS | Helicobacter pylori Culture + Susc | 587-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
HELIS | Helicobacter pylori Culture + Susc | 587-6 |
Special Instructions
Method Name
Conventional Culture Techniques
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)