Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance via Stool Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis
04:56

Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance via Stool Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis

Published on: May 16, 2025

Best cut-off values for [14C]-urea breath tests for Helicobacter pylori detection

L Gatta1, C Ricci, V Stanghellini

  • 1Dept. of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A low-dose [14C]-urea breath test (UBT) accurately detects Helicobacter pylori infection before and after treatment. This reliable, non-invasive test aids in managing dyspeptic patients, supporting the

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

  • The 'test and treat' strategy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is recommended for dyspeptic patients under 55 without alarm symptoms.
  • Reliable non-invasive diagnostic tests are crucial for implementing this strategy effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic accuracy of a low-dose, short-collecting time [14C]-urea breath test (UBT) for H. pylori infection.
  • To evaluate the pre- and post-treatment accuracy of [14C]-UBT.
  • To determine optimal cut-off points for [14C]-UBT analysis.

Main Methods:

  • 119 patients underwent both endoscopy and [14C]-UBT pre- and post-treatment.
  • [14C]-UBT results were analyzed using three methods: raw counts, difference (D) from baseline, and ratio to baseline.
  • Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each analysis method.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori infection was confirmed in 63.9% of patients (76/119).
  • The difference (D) method provided the highest accuracy: pre-treatment (sensitivity 95.9%, specificity 97.7%) and post-treatment (sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 100%).
  • 73 patients (96%) completed follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • A low-dose [14C]-UBT with a short collection time is a reliable diagnostic tool.
  • This method is effective for evaluating H. pylori infection in both pre- and post-treatment scenarios.
  • The difference (D) in dpm is the most accurate analysis method for [14C]-UBT.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Rapid Detection of Fecal Antigen of Helicobacter pylori Infection Based on Double Antibody Sandwich Detection Technology03:33

Rapid Detection of Fecal Antigen of Helicobacter pylori Infection Based on Double Antibody Sandwich Detection Technology

Published on: May 23, 2025

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance06:40

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: July 28, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test01:30

Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy01:16

Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy

Helicobacter pylori, a resilient gram-negative bacterium, can thrive in the stomach's harsh, acidic environment. Infection with H. pylori leads to a cascade of events within the stomach lining. One of the critical disruptions caused by this bacterium is the interference with somatostatin production, a hormone responsible for regulating acid secretion. This interference tips the balance, escalating acid secretion and diminishing bicarbonate levels. This imbalance compromises the defensive...