Urea Breath Test (UBT)

The Urea Breath Test (UBT) is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the
stomach.

Principle

H. pylori produces an enzyme called urease, which breaks down urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. In the UBT, the
patient drinks a solution containing labeled urea, and the breath is then tested for the presence of labeled carbon dioxide.

Procedure

 Inform the patient about the test, including its purpose and procedure.
 Advise the patient to fast for at least 6 hours before the test.
 Inform the patient about any medications they should avoid before the test, such as antibiotics or medications that may
affect stomach acidity
 Before the test begins, obtain a baseline breath sample from the patient. This serves as a reference for later comparison.
 Provide the patient with a solution containing a known amount of urea labeled with a non-radioactive isotope, usually
carbon-13 or carbon-14. This solution is often in the form of a drink.
 Allow the patient to rest and wait for a specified amount of time. This waiting period is usually around 30 minutes.
During this time, H. pylori bacteria in the stomach will break down the urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia.
 After the waiting period, collect a breath sample from the patient. This is usually done by asking the patient to blow
into a collection bag or tube.
 Analyze the breath sample to measure the amount of labeled carbon dioxide present. If H. pylori is present in the
stomach, it will produce carbon dioxide from the breakdown of urea. The higher the concentration of labeled carbon
dioxide, the more likely it is that H. pylori is present.
 Compare the results of the post-administration breath sample with the baseline sample. An increase in the concentration
of labeled carbon dioxide indicates the presence of H. pylori.
 A positive test result suggests an active H. pylori infection, while a negative result indicates the absence of an active
infection.
Rapid Serology Test:

Rapid serology tests for H. pylori are convenient and quick diagnostic tools used to detect antibodies specific to H.
pylori in a patient's blood.

Principle
This blood test detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to H. pylori infection.

Materials and Reagents:

 Test kit.
 Patient Serum or Whole Blood:
  Lancet or Needle:
 Buffer Solution
Procedure:
 Inform the patient about the procedure and obtain consent.
 If using a fingerstick, clean the patient's fingertip with an alcohol swab.
 Collect a small blood sample using a lancet or needle.
 Allow the blood to form a small drop.
 Place the blood drop onto the sample well of the rapid test device.
 Use the provided pipette or buffer solution to facilitate sample application.
 Allow the test device to develop according to the kit's instructions.
 The test will typically include a membrane with immobilized H. pylori antigens.
 Add the buffer solution (provided in the kit) to the test device.
 The buffer helps mobilize the antibodies and antigens, facilitating their interaction.
 Wait for the specified time indicated in the kit instructions.
 During this time, the antibodies in the sample will interact with the immobilized antigens.
 Observe the appearance of lines or signals in the result window.
 A visible line at the test region indicates the presence of H. pylori antibodies.
 Check for the presence of a control line in the result window.
 The control line ensures the validity of the test and that it has run properly.
 Record the results as negative or positive based on the appearance of lines..
 Interpretation:
Positive Result: The presence of a line at both the test and control regions indicates the presence of H. pylori antibodies
in the patient's blood.

Negative Result: If only the control line is visible, the test is negative, suggesting the absence of H. pylori antibodies.

Rapid Stool Antigen Test (SAT)

The Rapid Stool Antigen Test (SAT) for Helicobacter pylori is a diagnostic test designed to quickly detect the presence of H.
pylori antigens in a stool sample.

Principle:

This test detects H. pylori antigens in the stool sample.

Procedure

 Instruct the patient on proper stool sample collection.

 Collect a small, Ensure the rapid SAT kit is at room temperature before use.
 Follow the manufacturer's instruction Allow the test device to develop for the specified duration, usually a few minutes.
  The test is based on the reaction between H. pylori antigens in the stool sample and specific antibodies on the test
device.s for kit preparation.fresh stool sample in a clean, dry container.
 Using the provided applicator or device, transfer a small amount of the stool sample onto the test device.
 Record the results as negative or positive based on the appearance of lines..
 Interpretation:
Positive Result: The presence of a line at both the test and control regions indicates the presence of H. pylori

Negative Result: If only the control line is visible, the test is negative, suggesting the absence of H. pylori