Review article: non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection are widely used in clinical practice and the management of patients with gastrointestinal disease. The serology and 13C-urea breath test are widely available, whereas salivary and faecal assay are still being developed. The non-invasive tests represent notable savings for the patient both in terms of money and discomfort. Whilst serology is the most widespread test its use is not advised in post-treatment follow-up. The 13C-urea breath test is a simple, safe and highly accurate method ideal to evaluate, in the short-term follow-up, Helicobacter pylori eradication after treatment.
Zagari
R M
RM
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Bazzoli
F
F
Pozzato
P
P
Fossi
S
S
De Luca
L
L
Nicolini
G
G
Berretti
D
D
Roda
E
E
D001944:Breath Tests; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D014508:Urea / Q000032:analysis
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014508:Urea