Test Details: The purpose of this test is to find out if one is infected with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects half of the world's population. It is more common in still developing nations and has been linked to lack of hygiene in living conditions. Infection is more common in children than adults. During the culture test, a tissue sample is collected from stomach lining by endoscopy and placed in a special dish or tube containing nutrients normally found in the organism's environment. If H.pylori bacteria are present in the sample, they will grow until they can be seen under a microscope or in a liquid solution.