Microbiology
| Full details for "Helicobacter pylori serology Discontinued. See notes*". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Helicobacter pylori serology Discontinued. See notes* |
Alternative name/Profile |
H. pylori / peptic ulceration / dyspepsia / hyperchlorhydria / Campylobacter pyloridis/ stomach ulcer / duodenal / gastric ulcers / peptic ulcer / chronic gastritis / gastric adenocarcinoma / gastric lymphoma / stomach cancer |
Department |
Microbiology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Discontinued. See notes* |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
|
Frequency of analysis |
Discontinued. See notes* |
Turnaround time |
n/a |
Availability |
No longer available. |
Notes |
The recent cuts in health funding have necessitated a review of the services we provide. In order to save costs, we have decided to cease offering serology for Helicobacter pylori from May 1st 2009. It is well recognised that these tests are sensitive but lack specificity and diagnostic accuracy is low (80-84%). Serology also does not indicate whether there is past or current, acute infection. According to the current Maastricht III consensus report, "tests that detect active infection are preferable to serology as these reduce the number of patients treated inappropriately for presumed H. pylori infection". We regret having to implement this policy but we do not believe that it will result in diminished care for the individual patient. Urea breath tests are available in the hospital and patients can be referred directly by contacting the secretary at (01) 4103888. The Urea breath test department is located on the ground floor of the main hospital (route 2). |
Related links |
|
Reference range |
|
SJH Patients Only |
No |
Last updated |
Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:52:54 BST |