Different Diagnosing Methods Used to Identify H. Pylori Infection

1. Pylori bacteria impact the stomach lining. It stays there dormant for years without showing any symptoms. It needs proper diagnostic method to identify it. According to research, the parasite is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. The right treatment is essential to remove this bacterium.

Best ways to test for H. Pylori Infection

· Diagnostic tools

For H pylori tests, visit Jan Pharmacal Corporation website. The company is a big player in fast, easy to use point of care diagnostic equipment that works to expand the capacity of the diagnostic process for greater benefit to the patient. Using their advanced testing tools, it is easy to diagnose H. pylori and treat the infection before the development of long-term effects.

· Breath test (Urea Breath Test)

Before the test, patients have to abstain from food for several hours and then swallow a pill or drink a liquid that contains urea – a substance that is decomposed by H. pylori. If H. pylorus is present the enzyme converts the urea to carbon dioxide so it is identified in the breath of the patient.

It is painless and almost as accurate as a biopsy which makes it ideal especially for children and adults. Another advantage of urea breath test is that it can be employed to diagnose the first infection and to ensure it is no longer present after appropriate medication.

· Blood test

Blood H. pylori detection involves the identification of the antibodies that the human body releases to responds to the infection. Serum surveys are employed, which, however, are not very specific for the current infections, as the antibodies may persist for several weeks after the infection has been cleared. This means that the test may turn out positive even if the patient has had the infection early.

It is not justified for diagnosing on-going infection or for evaluating treatment success. But it can prove useful in identifying people who have ever been exposed to the bacteria, and can be used as a first round of testing.

· Stool antigen test

Patient’s stool is tested for presence of H.pylori antigens. Just like breath test, the stool antigen test is reliable. You can use it to confirm active infection as well as verify the elimination of bacteria after the treatment. It ensures that the infection is cleared. The diagnostic method is simple and inexpensive but many people find it uncomfortable to handle the stool sample.

· Endoscopy with biopsy

Endoscopy is referred in complicated cases like ulcers, gastritis or stomach cancer. During an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) for inspecting the lining of stomach and the duodenum part of small intestine. If there are any regions of concern these can be biopsied to check for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria.

Endoscopy allows observing and detecting the extent of the infection within the stomach lining. Nonetheless, it needs some sedation or anaesthesia.

Conclusion

A diagnostic examination for H. pylori is essential in managing digestive system and determining the right treatment method. The choice of a specific testing method depends on the patient’s symptoms, past medical history and the doctor’s judgment. Whichever approach is used, timely diagnosis and treatment of the bacterium greatly reduces chances of developing complications and promote better digestive health and well-being.

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