Peptic Ulcer Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Conditions & Diseases: Digestive Diseases

Peptic Ulcers

Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

Several non-invasive laboratory tests are useful in diagnosing the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Some of the tests are as follows:

Urea Breath Test:
The patient is asked to ingest radio labeled urea, which in the presence of urease produced by H pylori, metabolizes to carbon dioxide and ammonia. A laboratory assay is used to detect radio labeled carbondioxide. Sensitivity of the test is between 90-95%.

Serology:
Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) is used to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies directed against H pylori. Sensitivity of this test is about 95%.

Fecal Antigen Test:
This noninvasive method is used mainly in pediatric cases to detect H pylori.

Imaging Studies:
Various investigative techniques can be used to diagnose duodenal ulcer. Single-contrast barium radiography can detect 70-80% of duodenal ulcers whereas in double contrast radiography the sensitivity is more than 90%.

Other Tests:
Other tests include rapid urease test, tissue culture and histology.

Rapid Urease Test: In this test, a biopsy specimen acquired endoscopically is inserted into a receptacle containing a urea substrate and a pH indicator. Urea is metabolized in the presence of H pylori changing the color of pH indicator demonstrating a positive result.
Tissue Culture: Culture of tissue to test the presence of H pylori is not a rapid test and is used only in research settings.
Histology: Culture test also requires a histological study for which a trained pathologist is essential.

Endoscopy:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a sensitive test to detect duodenal ulcers with sensitivity greater than 95%. An ulcer can be visualized, a specimen obtained and if required be treated directly with EGD. EGD requires conscious sedation of patient (5).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com