Discrepancies in H. pylori Testing

Summary

The information in this article provides a rationale to explain discrepancies between H. pylori testing using the Metametrix GIfx Profiles and more conventional tests such as UBT, serology and histology. Diagnostic Insight

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Discrepancies in H. pylori Testing. Diagnostic Insight white paper. 2009.

Details

This article describes in further detail the epidemiological data concerning H. pylori infection in Australia; documents the studies which point to differences in status of H. pylori infection as an explanation for discrepancies in testing; and documents the typical symptomatic profile of patients relative to the status of H. pylori infection.

In summary, H. pylori has a high prevalence in the general population, so regular presence of infection is to be expected. Secondly, differences in regionality and density of colonisation by H. pylori in the stomach can explain discrepancies between PCR-based stool tests and UBT/serology. PCR-based detection has been shown to be significantly more sensitive and specific than serology thus explaining discrepancies between these tests. Lastly, clinical presentation of H. pylori infection is not uniform and thus cannot be used reliably as a means of determining likely infection. We trust that the information within this article will provide clinicians the reassurance they need regarding decisions on the significance and treatment of H. pylori infection as detected using the Metametrix GIFx Profiles.