Publication:

Comparison between rapid urease test and carbon 14 urea breath test in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Background The most common human infection of upper gastrointestinal region is Helicobacter pylori. Most individuals remain asymptomatic due to misuse of antibiotic and proton pump inhibitors.

Methods 50 patients admitted or on outpatient department basis were selected based on the upper gastrointestinal symptoms and whether they were 18 years and above.

Results The Rapid Urease Test (RUT) had 84% sensitivity and 91% specificity, with an overall accuracy of 88%. The results of the Urea breath Test (UBT) showed 88% sensitivity and 83% specificity, and an overall accuracy of 85%.

Conclusions The invasive procedure OGD scopy need not be done in patients for the sole purpose of diagnosing HP infection as the diagnostic efficacies of RUT & UBT tests are similar.