Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium found in the stomach and/or duodenum that has been linked to several health conditions, primarily gastric ulcers. The presence of H. pylori is the strongest and most independent risk factor for gastric cancer. Some experts suggest that H. pylori may be as carcinogenic to the stomach as cigarette smoking is to the lungs.
In industrialized countries H. pylori is present in about 20% of people below the age of 40 and in 50% of those above the age of 60. In developing countries, most adults are infected. Most people infected do not develop symptoms related to the infection, however, H. pylori causes various forms of gastritis (chronic active, chronic persistent, and atrophic) in adults and children. Correct diagnosis is important in order to prescribe proper therapy.
The BreathID® Helicobacter pylori test has a number of benefits compared to existing urea breath tests, including the following:
- The test has a sensitivity and specificity of more than 99% correlated with a biopsy.
- Results are provided immediately so there is no need to send the testing kits to the laboratory for analysis. Treatment decisions can be made on the spot.
- Test duration is extremely short. In fact, approximately 96% of patients complete it within 10 minutes.
- BreathID enables two testing modes, allowing maximum flexibility.
For additional information about Helicobacter pylori — and how the BreathID System is used in detecting it — please see the BreathID Website:
www.helicobacterpyloritest.com