Can diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori be rapid and yet sensitive?

Diagnostic accuracy of 5 tests viz., endoscopy, rapid urease, 24 hours urease, culture and histology, were evaluated in the detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in 50 patients undergoing upper G.I. endoscopy. Endoscopic evidence of gastritis to predict H. pylori infection was 50% specific and 46% sensitive. Rapid and 24 hours urease test and culture were 100% specific when compared with histology and their sensitivity was 71%, 62% and 21% respectively. Of the three 100% specific tests, rapid urease test yields results within 15 minutes; therefore this test being easy, rapid and sensitive should be used for screening of H. pylori infection; followed by histology for further confirmation.