A comparison of two rapid whole-blood tests and laboratory serology, in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two rapid whole-blood serology tests for Helicobacter pylori and a laboratory serology assay against a gold standard.


METHODS
Prospective comparison of tests in 81 patients.


METHODS
A hospital rapid access endoscopy clinic.


METHODS
Dyspeptic patients requiring assessment of H. pylori status.


METHODS
Measurement of H. pylori antibody status by Quickvue One-step, Helisal, and Premier H. pylori test; 13C urea breath test for H. pylori, and gastric biopsies for histology, culture and rapid urease test.


METHODS
Sensitivity and specificity of Quickvue One-step, Helisal and Premier tests, compared to a gold standard based on 13C urea breath test, biopsy culture, histology and urease test.


RESULTS
The Quickvue assay has significantly greater sensitivity (81%) than Helisal (67%), but without appreciable loss of specificity (86% and 93%, respectively). The Premier laboratory assay is significantly more sensitive than both of the rapid blood tests (96%), with comparable specificity to the Quickvue assay.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid serology tests used in this study are quick and convenient to use, but do not approach the sensitivity of a laboratory assay in detecting H. pylori status in this group of dyspeptic patients attending an endoscopy clinic.
Hawthorne
A B
AB
Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. Barney.Hawthorne@UHW-TR.wales.nbs.uk
Morgan
S
S
Westmoreland
D
D
Stenson
R
R
Thomas
G A
GA
Newcombe
R G
RG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001944:Breath Tests; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014508:Urea / Q000378:metabolism
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014508:Urea