Blood Antibody Test Research Articles

Individual- and Herd-Level Milk ELISA Test Status and Incidence for Paratuberculosis in Hubei Province, China.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is responsible for the persistent infectious illness known as bovine paratuberculosis, which is one of the most easily overlooked diseases in China amid a lack of epidemiological data. In this study, we evaluated the agreement of milk and blood antibody tests for paratuberculosis and showed an overall agreement of 92.0%, with a 95.0% negative coincidence rate and a 78.6% positive coincidence rate. The milk test was then used to examine the prevalence and incidence of dairy cows in Hubei Province, China. We found that, at the individual level, the highest lacto-prevalence reached up to 22.9%; the farm-level prevalence was as high as 92.3% (12/13) and 84.6% (11/13) in January and April 2018, respectively. The total incidence risk of all farms was 6% per three months. We also found that large-scale farms had a significantly lower prevalence and incidence than small-scale farms. Finally, the correlation between paratuberculosis and milk quality was evaluated, and we confirmed that MAP can significantly alter milk quality and raise somatic cell counts in the milk. This study provides valuable information for assessing the prevalence and incidence risk of paratuberculosis in China. It further provides an essential basis for calling for the prevention and control of paratuberculosis in China.

Lyme Disease: A Zoonosis Tick-Borne Borrelia Bacterium [4/4

Diagnosing Lyme disease involves assessment of the patient’s symptoms and EM rash. When EM rash and recent tick exposure are evident, additional laboratory tests may not be required. However, in cases where there is no EM rash or a clear history of tick exposure, a Lyme disease diagnosis may involve blood antibody tests. Serological testing, such as ELISA and immunoblots, is a common approach, and ELISA is reliable when IgG levels are at or above 200 IU/ml.

Evaluation of the proteomic profile in patients with celiac disease and malabsorption syndrome

The malabsorption syndrome includes many clinical units that lead to chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. In celiac disease and small intestine bacterial overgrowth making the diagnosis is not always straightforward, and the diagnosis often requires combining blood antibody tests, intestinal biopsies, and specific genetic testing. The study aimed to assess patients' protein/peptide profiles with celiac disease (n=31), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (n=28), and the control group (n=30). Attempts have also been made to identify potential new diagnostic markers. After appropriate preparation, a proteomic analysis of peptides was performed using the MALDI–TOF mass spectrometer. Identified proteins were fibrinogen alpha-chain, kininogen-1, mucin 3A, complement C3, complement C4A, and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4. Performed analyses indicated some proteins that could be potentially involved in the presence of the disease in question and proved that proteomic profiling might serve as a powerful diagnostic tool. Due to the difficulties in celiac disease and small intestine bacterial overgrowth diagnosis, there is a clear need for further investigation of the biological role of proteins potentially involved in the course of the disease.

1235. Anti-HCV Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Patients of Psychiatry Hospitals in Latvia

Abstract Background According to previous epidemiological studies there is 2.4% prevalence of anti-HCV in Latvian population. Hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis and HCC. There is available an effective HCV treatment with 100% reimbursement. WHO has settled a goal – to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030. The biggest obstacle to achieve this goal is to find an infected persons. The aim of this study was to screen and analyze the data of patients from Psychiatry hospitals (PH) in Latvia. Patients were screened for hepatitis C infection (anti-HCV) and analyze the possible risk factors. Methods 795 patients of all PH in Latvia were tested, including 57.1% males and 42.9% females. The mean age was 49 years (range 18 - 93). Data were obtained by performing survey and rapid blood antibody tests. The questionnaire included demographic information and 10 questions on infection risk factors. Study was done from May till October 2021 by HIV Prevention Point workers in PHs of 7 PH in Latvia – Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja, Strenci, Gintermuiza, Akniste and Vecpiebalga. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and IBM SPSS. Results 24.8% of patients noted they have been sexually active in the last year, but only 9.9% admitted usage of condoms. 3.8% noted they are or have been used IV drugs. 11.2% of patients have a history of incarceration. In total 6.8% of performed tests were positive for anti-HCV. Incarcerated persons were positive in 16% of cases, non-incarcerated – in 6%. IV drug users (IVDU) were positive in 49%, non-users – in 4.9%, all differences are statistically significant. Conclusion Patients in PH are at higher risk of HCV infection in comparison to population in Latvia. Besides already well known risk groups – IVDU and incarcerated people, we found 2.8 times higher anti-HCV prevalence in psychiatric hospital’s patients, with markedly higher prevalence in those previously incarcerated or IVDU. This study provides valuable data to better identify groups of individuals with higher risk of HCV infection. Latvia. PNC patients should further be tested, especially individuals who have been incarcerated, use or have used IV drugs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Comparative Assessment of Current Serological Methods against the Conventional in the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infections in Suspected Peptic Ulcer Patients Attending Health Facilities in Lafia, Nigeria.

Purpose: Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in most severe cases of peptic ulcer. Despite this development, the diagnosis of this infection has been a major challenge due to the difficulty encountered during isolation using the conventional culture method. Presently, most health facilities in rural communities in Nigeria still adopt the culture method as the gold standard technique for the diagnosis of H. pylori infections. The need for the introduction of more accurate, robust and rapid diagnostic techniques is therefore imperative. This study was carried out to compare the overall performance of two diagnostic methods in the assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection status among peptic ulcer suspected patients attending health facilities in Lafia, Nigeria, using stool antigen immunoassay test and blood antibody test methods.
 Methodology: A total of 180 patients with peptic ulcer symptoms attending three health facilities (80 from DASH and 50 each from Jafamek Diagnostic Centre and Haske Hospital) were recruited by designated health workers through random selection using non-probability and convenience sampling. The blood and stool samples of each participant were screened using H. pylori antibody/ antigen test strips (Azure Biotech Inc). The stool samples were cultured on Brain Heart Infusion agar (Oxoid, UK) and the result used as a gold standard in this study. Data obtained were presented as frequencies and association between test methods analysed using contingency chi-square test and Cohen kappa statistics.
 Results: The outcome of the study showed that out of the 180 participants screened, 51 (28.33%) were positive using the culture method (CM), 111 (61.67%) were reactive for Helicobacter pylori blood antibody test (BAB), while 86 (47.78%) were positive for Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test (SAG). The sensitivity and specificity of the two methods were recorded as 74.50%, 44.20% and 70.60%, 61.20% for BAB and SAG respectively. The level of agreement according to the value of kappa was found to be poor with BAB but fair with SAG.
 Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection among the patients was relatively low compared to values obtained from other areas in Nigeria. Also, the stool antigen analytical method had the highest diagnostic accuracy compared to the serum antibody and culture techniques.
 Recommendation: The stool antigen method is considered the most effective in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections in the study community and should therefore be used regularly as first choice option.

Does COVID-19 predispose patients to type 1 diabetes mellitus?

.The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic. This was a prospective, case-control study conducted in Izmir, Turkey. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and new-onset T1DM. We included pediatric patients (aged 6 mo–18 yr) with new-onset type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic, between April 2020 and January 2021. Polymerase chain reaction was used to diagnose COVID-19 after hospital admission. An enzyme-linked immunoassay for IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was performed after the diagnosis was confirmed. In the control group, the blood antibody test was conducted as close as possible to the time of the T1DM patient referral. A total of 118 participants were included in the study, comprising 57 (48%) patients with new-onset T1DM and 61 (52%) healthy controls. Of the 57 patients, 36 (63.2%) presented with DKA, 17 (29.7%) with diabetic ketosis, and four (7%) incidentally. The SARS-CoV-2 antibody test was positive in five (8.7%) patients with T1DM and six (10%) controls. The rate of positivity did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.901). It was not possible to demonstrate a clear association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset T1DM. Whether SARS-CoV-2 increases susceptibility to diabetes by triggering islet cell autoimmunity and affects the timing of overt diabetes in patients with existing autoimmunity should be studied in large cohorts.

Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in the Local Population Presenting with Dyspeptic Symptom

Objectives: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the local population presenting with dyspeptic symptom report to a tertiary care hospital of Nawabshah. Methodology: This cross-sectional study took place at department of medicine, Peoples Medical College and Hospital Nawabshah; during six months, form August 2015 to February 2016. A total of 115 patients with dyspeptic symptoms with upper abdominal disorders such as discomfort and pain, nausea, fullness, bloating, heartburn, anorexia, belching and regurgitation were included. After conducting detailed clinical examination and history, patients were subjected to relevant examinations, i.e. Blood antibody test (IgA antibody test), for H. pylori and venous blood was drawn. All the information was collected in the proforma. Results: The patients’ average age was 30.92±6.10 years. There were 66(57.4%) male cases and 49(42.6%) female cases. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was observed to be frequent (60% cases) among both genders. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present results confirm that the frequency of patients suffering from helicobacter pylori infection was quite high in local population at tertiary care hospital, Nawabshah. Strategies could be developed at an earlier stage and prompt treatment may reduce the morbidity. Key Words: Dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori, IgA antibody test

The influence of HLA genotype on the severity of COVID-19 infection.

The impact of COVID‐19 varies markedly, not only between individual patients but also between different populations. We hypothesised that differences in HLA genes might influence this variation. Using next generation sequencing, we analysed the class I and class II classical HLA genes of 147 individuals of European descent experiencing variable clinical outcomes following COVID‐19 infection. Forty‐nine of these patients were admitted to hospital with severe respiratory disease. They had no significant pre‐existing comorbidities. We compared the results to those obtained from a group of 69 asymptomatic hospital workers who evidence of COVID exposure based on blood antibody testing. Allele frequencies in both the severe and asymptomatic groups were compared to local and national healthy controls with adjustments made for age and sex. With the inclusion of hospital staff who had reported localised symptoms only (limited to loss of smell/taste, n = 13) or systemic symptoms not requiring hospital treatment (n = 16), we carried out ordinal logistic regression modelling to determine the relative influence of age, BMI, sex and the presence of specific HLA genes on symptomatology. We found a significant difference in the allele frequency of HLA‐DRB1*04:01 in the severe patient compared to the asymptomatic staff group (5.1% vs. 16.7%, P = .003 after adjustment for age and sex). There was a significantly lower frequency of the haplotype DQA1*01:01‐DQB1*05:01‐DRB1*01:01 in the asymptomatic group compared to the background population (P = .007). Ordinal logistic regression modelling confirmed the significant influence of DRB1*04:01 on the clinical severity of COVID‐19 observed in the cohorts. These alleles are found in greater frequencies in the North Western European population. This regional study provides evidence that HLA genotype influences clinical outcome in COVID‐19 infection. Validation studies must take account of the complex genetic architecture of the immune system across different geographies and ethnicities.

Pericarditis as an initial manifestation of Sjögren syndrome in a child

Abstract Introduction: Primary Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic inflammation of exocrine glands and epithelia in multiple sites. SS is usually difficult to diagnose particularly in children because SS is rare for this age group, and various clinical signs and symptoms, without typical sicca symptoms, are shown as initial manifestations in pediatric SS patients. There have been no reports on cases of pediatric primary SS with symptomatic pericarditis being the initial manifestation. We report a case of primary SS in a pediatric patient who developed symptomatic pericarditis. Patient concerns: An 11-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of fever, and chest and left shoulder pains. The pain was exacerbated when she was in a supine position. Diffuse ST-segment elevations on the electrocardiogram, presence of pericardial friction sounds, exacerbation of diastolic pericardial effusion on the echocardiogram, and continuous chest pain indicated acute symptomatic pericarditis. Diagnosis: The results of the blood antibody test, salivary gland scintigram, and salivary gland biopsy led to the diagnosis of SS. Also, this patient has no hypocomplementemia, and classification criteria of American College of Rheumatology of systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease were not fulfilled. Intervention: Prednisolone therapy relieved her symptoms. Subclinical Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a well-known complication of primary SS, was observed; however, prescriptions were not needed. Outcomes: The clinical signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease were not observed when prednisolone was tapered. During the 1-year treatment and follow-up period, the patient had no symptom recurrence. Conclusions: In pediatric primary SS patients, clinically silent heart changes are common, but obvious heart involvement is extremely rare. Unusual initial symptoms, such as symptomatic pericarditis, should not be missed in childhood-onset primary SS.

Type IV Gastric Carcinoids in the Stomach Caused by ATP4A Gene Mutations

A 51-year-old Japanese woman who had a history of multiple gastric polyps for 10 years was referred to our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed multiple, small protruding lesions on the wall of the fundus and body of the stomach without any atrophic change (Figure A). She had never received acid suppression drugs or eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection and anti–H pylori blood antibody test was negative. Although the serum antibodies for antiparietal cell and intrinsic factors were negative and her hemoglobin level was within the normal range, laboratory examination showed marked hypergastrinemia (4722 pg/mL).

Associations between peripheral vertigo and gastroesophageal reflux disease

We hypothesize that peripheral vertigo is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Two mechanisms could be considered – gastric acids may directly irritate the respiratory mucosa and cause inflammation, or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) could be present and cause local infection. Reflux material (Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin) could get into the middle ear via Eustachian tube and affect osseous structures directly. Disturbance of ossicles could cause tinnitus, which is more common for peripheral vertigo. H. pylori could also get in the esophagus and in the upper respiratory tract via gastroesophageal reflux, and could cause tympanosclerosis and fixation of ossicles. In our study group, 120 of 153 (78.4%) patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Diagnostic tests of H. pylori (rapid urease test or blood antibody test) were performed for 96 of 120 (80%) patients with GERD and were found positive for 32 of 96 (33.3%) patients. Peripheral vertigo was present in 93 of 120 (77.6%) patients with GERD compared to 33 of 126 (26%) patients without GERD (χ2=9.016, p=0.003). H. pylori and peripheral vertigo coexisted in 26 of 126 patients (20.6%) (OR 1.36; 95% CI 0.49–3.74, p=0.55). Our study demonstrated statistically significant association between peripheral vertigo and GERD but not between peripheral vertigo and H. pylori. Further more extensive investigations are needed in order to explore our hypothesis.

Coeliac disease – is a small intestinal biopsy always necessary for diagnosis?

Introduction Increasing numbers of children with coeliac disease (CD) have minor gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) or are diagnosed following screening of asymptomatic children in high risk groups. The diagnosis of CD is changing, and it is suggested that with improved accuracy of blood antibody testing, intestinal biopsy may not always be necessary. Methods We reviewed all patients with CD presenting to a regional centre between 2005-10 and compared the mode of presentation with previous data from the same area (1983-2004). In addition we reviewed the last 100 cases of proven CD to assess the accuracy of antibody testing. Results Median age at diagnosis was 13 years, compared with 8 years 1999-2004. 41% presented with specific GI symptoms, 23% with non-GI features and 36% were diagnosed after screening of high risk groups. Compared with previous studies from the same population, percentage of patients presenting with GI symptoms remained similar (42% v 41%) but patients diagnosed after targeted screening had increased (26% to 36%). Of the last 100 patients with a histological diagnosis of CD, IgA anti-TTG antibody levels (normal 0-10) were >200 in 12%, between 100 and 200 in 22%, between 50 and 100 in 57%, between 30 and 50 in 9%. All patients with a TTG level > 48 showed sub-total villous atrophy on small intestinal histology. Conclusion The frequency and median age at diagnosis of CD has continued to rise. Over 50% of patients presented with few or no symptoms. Current antibody testing appears to be accurate enough in our centre to suggest that histological confirmation may not be necessary to make a diagnosis in all cases.

Q Fever: An Old but Still a Poorly Understood Disease

Q fever is a bacterial infection affecting mainly the lungs, liver, and heart. It is found around the world and is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria affects sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and ticks. Infected animals shed this bacteria in birth products, feces, milk, and urine. Humans usually get Q fever by breathing in contaminated droplets released by infected animals and drinking raw milk. People at highest risk for this infection are farmers, laboratory workers, sheep and dairy workers, and veterinarians. Chronic Q fever develops in people who have been infected for more than 6 months. It usually takes about 20 days after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms to occur. Most cases are mild, yet some severe cases have been reported. Symptoms of acute Q fever may include: chest pain with breathing, cough, fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pains, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of chronic Q fever may include chills, fatigue, night sweats, prolonged fever, and shortness of breath. Q fever is diagnosed with a blood antibody test. The main treatment for the disease is with antibiotics. For acute Q fever, doxycycline is recommended. For chronic Q fever, a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is often used long term. Complications are cirrhosis, hepatitis, encephalitis, endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, meningitis, and pneumonia. People at risk should always: carefully dispose of animal products that may be infected, disinfect any contaminated areas, and thoroughly wash their hands. Pasteurizing milk can also help prevent Q fever.

A Search for Helicobacter pyloriin Localized Vulvodynia

Background: We noted that several patients presenting with both localized vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis) and peptic symptoms reported a resolution of dyspareunia after receiving a full treatment course for Helicobacter pylori. Methods: Women with localized vulvodynia were interviewed regarding symptoms of peptic disease. Those with peptic symptoms underwent a blood test for the presence of antibodies to H. pylori and were referred to a gastroenterology consultation. In all women, vestibular biopsies were obtained and stained for H. pylori. Healthy vestibular tissues as well as archival negative and positive gastric tissues served as controls. Results: Of the blood antibody tests, 12 (80%) were positive. None of the patients had evidence of H. pylori in the vestibule. Eleven women received triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori. Eight (73%) reported complete relief of dyspareunia and of gastric symptoms. Conclusion: Our study found no immunohistochemical evidence of H. pylori infection in the vestibule but suggested a possible role for anti-H. pylori treatment in localized vulvodynia.

Noninvasive tests as a substitute for histology in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Background: Rapid urease tests for Helicobacter pylori have a sensitivity of 80% to 90%. Therefore histologic examination of gastric biopsies is recommended as a “backup” diagnostic test in rapid urease test–negative patients. However, noninvasive tests (urea breath test, serology, whole blood antibody tests) may provide a more rapid diagnosis and be less expensive but offer similar accuracy. Methods: Sixty-seven patients (no prior treatment for H pylori, no proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, or bismuth within 4 weeks) undergoing endoscopy for evaluation of dyspepsia symptoms and testing rapid urease test–negative by antral biopsy were enrolled. All had the following tests: gastric biopsies (2 antral, 1 fundus; H&E and Alcian Yellow stain) examined for gastritis and H pylori ; 13C-UBT; capillary blood for whole blood rapid antibody tests: FlexSure HP, QuickVue, AccuStat, and Stat-Simple Pylori; serum for FlexSure HP; HM-CAP enzyme-linked immunoassay. H pylori infection was diagnosed (reference standard) if chronic gastritis was present on histology and at least 2 of the 3 following tests were positive: urea breath test, H pylori organisms unequivocally demonstrated in biopsies on special stain, and/or enzyme-linked immunoassay. The test and treatment costs per patient were calculated. Results: Of 67 patients with a negative rapid urease test, 4 were positive for H pylori. None had active peptic ulcer disease. Histology only identified 1 patient with organisms visible on special stain. Using chronic active gastritis (neutrophilic and mononuclear infiltrate) as a diagnostic criterion for H pylori, 6 patients would have been judged positive. However, only 2 of these were truly positive by the reference standard (positive predictive value 33%). Negative predictive value for presence of organisms and chronic active gastritis was 95% and 97%, respectively. All of the noninvasive tests identified all 4 truly positive patients correctly. Urea breath test and FlexSure whole blood assay yielded a substantial number of false-positive results (positive predictive value 31% and 36%, respectively); positive predictive value for the other tests ranged from 50% to 80%. All tests except histology had a negative predictive value of 100%. Histology was the most costly test (p < 0.001 compared with all other tests), followed by urea breath test and HM-CAP serology (p < 0.001 compared with all rapid antibody tests). Conclusions: Whole blood or serum antibody testing is a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective means for establishing H pylori status in rapid urease test–negative patients. Whole blood or serology rapid antibody testing should substitute for histology when the patient has not been previously treated for H pylori. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:20-6.)

Whole-blood antibody tests were not highly sensitive for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection

(1999) Am J Gastroenterol 94, 1512; Chey WD, Murthy U, Shaw S, et al. . A comparison of three fingerstick, whole blood antibody tests for Helicobacter pylori infection: a United...

A comparison of three fingerstick, whole blood antibody tests for Helicobacter pylori infection: a United States, multicenter trial

OBJECTIVE: We compared three whole blood antibody tests for Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) in a United States, multicenter trial. METHODS: Patients referred for EGD at three medical centers were recruited. During EGD, biopsies were taken for histology and rapid urease testing (RUT). Immediately after endoscopy, patients underwent the antibody tests (FlexPack HP, Abbott Diagnostics; QuikVue, Quidel Corporation; AccuMeter, ChemTrak) using whole blood obtained by two to three fingersticks. Performance characteristics were calculated for each antibody test using the biopsy-based methods as a gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients participated; 50 (38%) patients had histological evidence of H. pylori infection. Using histology as a gold standard, the sensitivities of FlexPack HP, QuikVue, and Accumeter were 76%, 78%, and 84%, respectively. Specificity was 79% with FlexPack HP and 90% with QuikVue and Accumeter. There were no significant differences in the performance of the three antibody tests though there was a trend toward superior performance for AccuMeter compared to FlexPack HP ( p = 0.019). However, RUT proved superior to FlexPack HP using histology as a gold standard ( p = 0.008). Using either concordant histology and RUT results or a positive histology or RUT to define active H. pylori infection, there was no statistically significant difference between the antibody tests. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in the performance of the three antibody tests. These tests proved only marginally sensitive in detecting patients infected with H. pylori. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these tests, particularly when using them as a sole means of testing for H. pylori.

Evaluation of the FlexSure HP whole blood antibody test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Objective: Rapid, inexpensive, reliable tests are needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. We evaluated the accuracy of the new FlexSure HP whole blood test (SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.), a rapid, qualitative in-office test for the detection of antibodies to H. pylori utilizing whole blood obtained from a fingerstick. Methods: Five North American sites enrolled patients not previously treated for H. pylori who underwent upper endoscopy. Patients had not received antibiotics, bismuth, or proton pump inhibitors within 4 wk before study enrollment. Bacterial infection was established by the presence of H. pylori in gastric biopsies (minimum of two) or positive rapid urease test of antral tissue. The presence of IgG antibodies was determined using FlexSure HP whole blood tests with blood obtained by fingerstick and FlexSure HP serum and ELISA (HM-CAP) tests with serum obtained from venipuncture. Results: Three hundred ninety-three patients were enrolled (56% male; mean age, 46.8 ± 16.0 yr). H. pylori infection was present in 187 (48%). Compared with the standard of histology and rapid urease test, sensitivity for FlexSure HP whole blood, FlexSure HP serum, and HM-CAP EIA were, respectively, 84%, 90%, and 95% ( p < 0.05 compared with FlexSure HP whole blood). There were no statistical differences in specificity or overall accuracy between the three tests. Conclusions: FlexSure HP whole blood demonstrated an accuracy not significantly different from the FlexSure HP serum test but had sensitivity significantly lower than the HM-CAP EIA. FlexSure HP whole blood may be useful for in-office H. pylori diagnosis.

Rapid whole blood antibody tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection: Comparison with histology, rapid urease, urea breath and serum-based testing

Rapid whole blood antibody tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection: Comparison with histology, rapid urease, urea breath and serum-based testing

A comparison of 2 commercially available fingerstick whole blood antibody tests for H. Pylori infection

A comparison of 2 commercially available fingerstick whole blood antibody tests for H. Pylori infection