DIAGNOSIS OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION - REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC-TECHNIQUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS SETTINGS

Multiple diagnostic tests are available for determining the presence o f Helicobacter pylori infection. Some tests rely on endoscopy while ot hers are non-invasive. The accuracy of a test depends on the clinical situation in which it is used. Most tests have been evaluated in untre ated individuals, while few studies have investigated their performanc e post-treatment when bacterial counts might be low. In this overview we first discuss the different diagnostic techniques available to the clinician, and their value in the pretreatment and post-treatment sett ings. Finally, we discuss the patient management-related questions tha t arise in several clinical settings and recommend when to use which t ests and why.