Urea Breath Test Diagnoses Helicobacter pylori Infections

A urea breath test has been developed for both initial diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults, an important pathogen in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans.

The relationship between H pylori and chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer is well documented. The breath test is intended for use in adult patients. The performance characteristics for persons under the age of 18 have not been established for this test.

Produced by Meretek Diagnostics, Inc., (Lafayette, CO, USA), the test is called BreathTek UBT (urea breath test). The company exhibited the kit at the 2007 Digestive Disease Week conference, which was held May 20-23, 2007, in Washington DC (USA).

The test should be administrated by health care professionals under a physician's supervision. The test is simple, non-radioactive, and non-invasive. BreathTek UBT is 95% sensitive and specific, and is also used to confirm eradication four weeks following completion of treatment.

The test should not be used until four weeks or more after the end of treatment for the eradication of H pylori as earlier post-treatment assessment may give false-negative results.


Related Links:
Meretek Diagnostics