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Rapid serological diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori: A need for caution and re-evaluation

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Abstract

Screening forHelicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients may improve selectivity for gastroscopy. Rapid serological tests based on ELISA technique are cheap, readily available and simple to use in the clinical setting. However local evaluation is essential in order to validate these techniques.

Fifty-six dyspeptic patients (aged less than 45 yr) had a rapid serological test (Helisal) performed prior to gastroscopy. At gastroscopyH. pylori status was assessed using culture and histology.

The Helisal sensitivity was 80 per cent, specificity 82 per cent. Screening patients with the Helisal test would have missed 6 patients with peptic ulcer disease and 2 with oesophagitis. The Helisal test did not perform satisfactorily as a screening test in selection of patients for gastroscopy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Day Procedure Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, BT12 6BA, Belfast, Northern Ireland

    A. Heaney & J. S. A. Collins

  2. Department of Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

    R. G. P. Watson

  3. Wlster Hospital, BT16 ORH, Dundonald, Northern Ireland

    R. J. McFarland

  4. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Queen’s University Belfast and Department of Bacteriology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

    K. B. Bamford

Authors
  1. A. Heaney
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  2. J. S. A. Collins
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  3. R. G. P. Watson
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  4. R. J. McFarland
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  5. K. B. Bamford
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Heaney, A., Collins, J.S.A., Watson, R.G.P. et al. Rapid serological diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori: A need for caution and re-evaluation. Ir. J. Med. Sc. 167, 152–154 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937927

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937927

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