Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Patients can be tested for the H. pylori infection via invasive or non-invasive methods. At present, no single test is absolutely relied upon to detect colonization of H. pylori, and a combination of two tests is recommended if feasible. A growing interest in non-invasive tests for the detection of Helicobacter pylori has been observed recently. Although serology for IgG often is chosen in the outpatient setting because of its convenience, it is less accurate than either the urea breath test (UBT) or stool antigen test. In addition, the UBT and stool antigen test can be used to confirm eradication, whereas serology remains positive for months after eradication. The test should be used in the basis of the clinical circumstances, the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests, the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy, and the availability of the tests.