【H. Pylori Test Comparison】Stool Antigen Self-Test VS Urea Breath Test
2023-05-29
Two of the more affordable H. pylori tests are stool antigen self-test and urea breath test, which are both non-invasive and easier to use. However, do they cause any side-effects? Are they accurate? Let’s learn more below.
What is H. pylori urea breath test? What does the test index mean?
Patients who undergo urea breath test are required to take either a 13C or 14C-urea tablet, so that doctors can determine patients’ infection status with their levels of carbon dioxide exhaled as H. pylori can break down urea and release carbon dioxide:
- • <4dpm = H. pylori negative
- • >4dpm = H. pylori positive
Are urea pills radioactive and hazardous to children and pregnant women?
14C-urea tablets expose patients to a small dose of 1 microcurie (equivalent to natural environmental background radiation received in about 24 hours), and is not recommended for children and pregnant women. However, 13C-urea tablets are non-radioactive and are suitable for anyone aged 3 or above. You should consult your doctor to avoid any potential risks before the test.
4 Groups of patients should not choose urea breath test?
Urea breath tests can normally attain an 80% accuracy rate, becoming the “gold standard” for H. pylori testing. However, 4 groups of patients may reconsider doing an urea breath test as their conditions might affect the test accuracy:
- • Patients with a recent history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric surgery and achlorhydria might lower the test’s sensitivity
- • Patients infected with H. heilmannii (another urease containing bacteria) might get a false positive result
- • Patients with H. pylori infection in the body (corpus) of the stomach shows a higher proportion of false negative results with 13C-UBT
- • 13C-UBT is less accurate in the paediatric population with sensitivity and specificity in the range of 75%-100%
Besides, patients should also stop using antibiotics and bismuth compounds for at least 4 weeks, and proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate for at least 2 weeks prior to the test, as these medications can reduce the urease activity of H. pylori and lead to a false negative result.
Why is H. pylori stool antigen self-test different?
Analyses on patients’ self-collected stool sample can help determine their infection status since H. pylori antigens can usually be detected in patients’ stool sample. The sensitivity and specificity of stool antigen self-test are normally as high as 90%.
Accurate stool antigen self-test - Anytime anywhere!
UU Tube by INDICAID™ Helicobacter Pylori Antigen Test does not contain any radioactive agents or require an empty stomach, it can accurately detect the H. pylori infection status for every one in just 10 minutes. UU Tube can be commonly used as regular testing to monitor the recovery progress after receiving H. pylori treatments.
UU Tube is certified with CE mark, it attains a 98% accuracy with no requirement for pre-test medication or fasting and is suitable for people with or without symptoms. After using UU Tube, you can even book your doctor’s appointment via INDICAID Care! Consultation services are available in online or in-clinic format, your medication is just 1 button away, click here to learn more.
ENJOY 10% OFF NOW →Learn about INDICAID Care Doctor Consultation →
