Evaluation of a novel 14C-urea breath test "Heliprobe" in diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Background: At present, (14)C-urea breath test is considered a gold standard for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, but they are time-consuming, comparably expensive, and usually not portable tests. The aim of our study was to establish the diagnostic value of the novel, inexpensive, quick, and convenient to use (14)C-urea breath test "Heliprobe", Noster AB, Sweden.

Material and methods: Helicobacter pylori testing using "Heliprobe" was performed in 108 consecutive patients. Helicobacter pylori was also investigated using rapid urease test and Giemsa stained histological specimens according to Sydney system.

Results: The diagnostic values of "Heliprobe" assuming the Helicobacter pylori positivity, if the results of two tests (rapid urease test and histology) are positive, were: sensitivity--97%, specificity--87%, positive predictive value--93%, negative predictive value--95%, accuracy--94%. The diagnostic values of "Heliprobe" assuming the Helicobacter pylori positivity, if at least the results of one test are positive: sensitivity--92%, specificity--100%, positive predictive value--100%, negative predictive value--84%, accuracy--94%. CONCLUSIONS. The novel, quick, convenient to use (14)C-urea breath test "Heliprobe" is accurate, reliable, and useful for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in routine clinical practice.