37 kBq 14C‐UREA BREATH TEST AND GASTRIC BIOPSY ANALYSES OF H. PYLORI INFECTION

Abstract
Background: The treatment of H. pylori‐associated gastroduodenal disease is increasingly aimed at bacterial eradication which requires follow‐up assessment of therapeutic effectiveness and re‐infection. A simplified 37 kBq 14C‐urea breath test for H. pylori infection has been developed. Methods: The 37 kBq 14C‐urea breath test was compared with biopsy urease (CLO) and histological analyses of gastric biopsies obtained from 63 patients undergoing endoscopy. Results: The 30‐min breath test correlated closely with biopsy findings, had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 95% and a positive predictive value of 92%. Conclusions: The simplified, low‐dose, 14C‐urea breath test is a convenient, low‐cost, transportable means of facilitating the management of H. pylori‐associated diseases.