Comparison of urease tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Aim: To assess the value of different types of urease tests in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection. Method: Survey of recent studies. Results: Urease tests can now diagnose H. pylori infection within a few minutes with high sensitivity and specificity, although some positive cases may be missed. Other tests are still required to provide histological information and to determine the sensitivity or resistance of the bacterium to antimicrobial drugs. Conclusions: New urease tests are rapid and highly accurate but must be complemented by slower, more expensive histological and bacterial culture tests.