An evaluation of whole blood testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Chinese population

Citation
Bcy. Wong et al., An evaluation of whole blood testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Chinese population, ALIM PHARM, 14(3), 2000, pp. 331-335
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology,"da verificare
Journal title
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
ISSN journal
02692813 → ACNP
Volume
14
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
331 - 335
Database
ISI
SICI code
0269-2813(200003)14:3<331:AEOWBT>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
Background: Near patient tests for Helicobacter pylori were developed to as sist in the management of dyspepsia patients in general practice. Most stud ies were performed in western populations. Aim: To evaluate the rapid whole blood test (Flexpack HP) for H. pylori in the Chinese population. Methods: Consecutive dyspeptic patients referred for upper endoscopy were r ecruited. During upper endoscopy, biopsies were taken from the antrum and c orpus for rapid urease test (CLO test) and histological examination. After endoscopy, the whole blood test (FlexPack HP) was performed according to th e manufacturer's instruction. Patients then received a C-13-urea breath tes t. Results of the whole blood test were compared with the gold standard (CL O test, histology and C-13-urea breath test). Results: A total of 294 consecutive patients gave a valid Flexpack HP resul t for interpretation. The mean age of patients was 47.7 (range 15-85) years . Analysis showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, ne gative predictive value and accuracy of 58%, 92%, 91%, 63% and 73% respecti vely. Conclusion: The FlexPack HP whole blood test showed good specificity but la cked sensitivity. It is not sensitive enough to be used in a general practi ce setting for the test-and-treat approach in the Chinese population.