Abstract

Because of the widespread problem of Helicobacter pylori infections, there is an increased need for rapid, reliable and inexpensive diagnostic tests. Five recently developed tests that offer potential advantages because they are less invasive or permit easier acquisition of samples than available tests are assessed. The tests assessed are whole blood, saliva and urine assays that measure systemic antibody response to H pylori, stool tests that measure H pylori antigens and string tests that recover H pylori organisms.