Usefulness of BiocardTM Helicobacter pylori IgG One-step Immunochromatographic Test with Whole Blood Sample

Shin, Kyoung Deok; Chae, Jei Keon; Lee, Heung Bum; Lee, Soo Teik; Ahn, Deuk Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of whole blood serologic test (BiocardTM H. pylori IgG one-step immunochromatographic test) in detecting IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
METHODS
For patients with dyspepsia and abdominal discomfort, gastroduodenoscopy was performed. We excluded patients who received treatments for H. pylori infection within a year or who took drugs such bismuth compounds, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics (metronidazole, amoxicilline, tetracycline) within 2 weeks. During gastroduodenoscopy, specimens were obtained from the antrum for rapid urease test and histologic examination (Hematoxyline-eosin stain, Giemsa stain). Biocard H. pylori test was performed using whole blood. Characteristics of the Biocard test were evaluated using Giemsa stain and rapid urease test as the ""gold standard.""
RESULTS
Biocard test was carried out immediately after the endoscopic examination, and the result was available within 10 min in all cases. When the Biocard H. pylori test was compared with histology or rapid urease test, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.8% and 71.3%, respectively. Moreover, its positive predictive value was 92.8% and the negative predictive value was 71.3%.
CONCLUSIONS
The Biocard H. pylori test using whole blood sample was an easy and rapid method and yielded relatively good performance. This test can be an accurate screening method for H. pylori infection in the office setting and primary care units.