Helicobacter Forums

Hi Guys,

I've been struggling with some symptoms for a few months now and just recently my doctor suggested I be tested for h. pylori. She ordered a stool sample that I have been waiting for the right time to submit. I do occasionally take pepto bismol at night to help with my upset stomach. I read a few things saying that you shouldn't take bismuth a month before a stool sample for h. pylori. I am really struggling at the moment and just want to get the sample in as soon as possible.

So my question is, if I took a little bit of bismuth a couple days ago, if I submit a stool sample next week is it likely that I will get a false negative test result? I really suspect that I have h. pylori and I'm worried about getting a false negative even though I might actually have it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you all.

Unfortunately bismuth might reduce the bacterial load give false negative result to stool test.

Thanks for the quick reply Helic_expert. I'll try not to take any for a bit before I submit my test.