Reuse of negative CLOtest kits in children.
BACKGROUND
The rapid urease test, CLOtest, is used frequently in endoscopy suites. In the developed world, a negative CLOtest result is extremely common. The question of whether reuse of previously negative CLOtest kits is appropriate in children and the cost saving of such a practice were investigated.


METHODS
Children who underwent diagnostic endoscopic procedures were prospectively recruited to the study. In each procedure gastric biopsy specimens were obtained for 2 rapid urease tests, one a new kit and the other a used negative kit obtained from previous procedures. In addition gastric specimens were also obtained for routine histologic examination.


RESULTS
In 121 (99.2%) patients a complete concordance between new and used CLOtests was observed. Chi-square analyses showed a significant association between CLOtest results and each of the following factors: gastritis, the presence of Helicobacter pylori organisms, and H pylori-associated gastritis. Assuming an average rate of 15% positive CLOtest results in our pediatric population, the annual savings at the rural hospital was $265 and at the urban children's hospital, $1958.


CONCLUSIONS
Reuse of a negative CLOtest is reliable and may reduce costs, especially in facilities with a high volume of endoscopic procedures.
Elitsur
Y
Y
Department of Pediatrics, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia 25701-3655, USA.
Neace
C
C
Heitlinger
L
L
D002648:Child; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005756:Gastritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D005773:Gastroscopy; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014510:Urease / Q000032:analysis*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014510:Urease