An evaluation of a rapid urine test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Chinese population

Abstract

Background: A new rapid urine test was developed to detect anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody in urine using the principle of immunochromatography. The accuracy of this test in the Chinese population remains to be defined. Aim: To evaluate a new rapid urine test for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in the Chinese population. Methods: Eligible patients without previous treatment of H. pylori were recruited. In-house rapid urease test and histology were used as the gold standard. The rapid urine test (RAPIRUN H. pylori antibody) was performed and the results were compared with the gold standard. Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients were eligible for analysis and 61 (50%) were H. pylori positive by the gold standard. The rapid urine test showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 96.7%, 95.2%, 95.2%, 96.7% and 95.9%, respectively. Results were obtained within 20 min and no special laboratory support was required. Conclusions: The rapid urine test by immunochromatography is highly accurate for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in untreated Chinese patients.