How to Test Well Water for Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria

Navigate to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension on your computer. Click on "Air, Soil and Water" under the "Energy & Natural Resources" tab. Select "Water Resources Extension" then click on "Publications" under the "Additional Resources" tab on the right side of the page. Choose "Water Pollutants, Testing, and Treatment Publications." Click on "Water Testing" then "Find a local water testing lab." Use the list provided to find a testing lab near you.

Contact the lab to verify that it tests for H. pylori and request a water test kit if it does this testing. If not, ask if there is a lab nearby that performs such testing or contact the next closest lab to where you live. The lab will send you a complete test kit. The cost of testing varies by lab and how much testing is done. As of 2011, prices range from $15 to $100.

Follow the directions provided with the test kit once it arrives. Remove the seals from the bottles provided in the kit. Turn the faucet on cold and let it run for two minutes. The water must be from a tap that gets the most use but must not have a leak. Fill the bottle but do not touch the inside of the lip with your hands or the tap spigot. Place the cap back on the bottle and twist it tightly. Repeat with any other bottles provided in the kit.

Write your last name on the labels of each bottle. Fill out any forms or paperwork provided with the test kit.

Place each bottle in the included zip-lock bags. Remove any excess air then close the bags. Place the bottles and other equipment into their original Styrofoam containers. Place the Styrofoam back in the box and seal it.

Attach the shipping label to the box if one was provided by the lab. If not, ship the package overnight delivery. It must arrive at the lab within 30 hours. It may take up to two weeks for the test results.