37 kBq C-14-urea breath test and gastric biopsy analyses of H-pylori infection

Background: The treatment of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease is increasingly aimed at bacterial eradication which requires follow-up assessment of therapeutic effectiveness and re-infection. A simplified 37 kBq C-14-urea breath test for H. pylori infection has been developed. Methods: The 37 kBq C-14-urea breath test was compared with biopsy urease (CLO) and histological analyses of gastric biopsies obtained from 63 patients undergoing endoscopy. Results: The 30-min breath test correlated closely with biopsy findings, had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 95% and a positive predictive value of 92%. Conclusions: The simplified, low-dose, C-14-urea breath test is a convenient, low-cost, transportable means of facilitating the management of H. pylori-associated diseases.