Relative merits of various rapid biopsy urease tests for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Campylobacter pylori).

Three rapid urease tests, i.e., liquid urea broth containing phenol red as indicator, liquid urea broth containing bromothymol blue as indicator and CLO gel were compared in 109 patients of dyspepsia for the diagnosis of Campylobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection. Mean time taken for positive reaction in liquid broth with phenol was 3 minutes (range 0.6 to 5.3 minutes) with bromothymol blue was 3.5 minutes (range 0.4 to 5.5 minutes) while with CLO gel it was 101 minutes (range 11-261 minutes). There was no difference in results of liquid urea broth containing phenol red and bromothymol blue. The difference in timing of urea broth containing phenol red and bromothymol blue was statistically significant as compared to CLO gel (p less than 0.05). Rapid urease tests employing liquid urea broth are quick, simple and reliable for the diagnosis of Helicobacer pylori infection.