Peptic Ulcer Disease – Part 3
Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is associated with 90% of duodenal ulcers and 75% of gastric ulcers. There are several methods used to diagnose the presence of H. pylori. Blood can be tested for for the serum immunoglobulin for H. pylori, although the test can be positive in previous H pylori infections that have been adequately treated.
The labeled urea breath test is a noninvasive test that will show eradication of the bacterium. The cod liver oil (CLO) test is the test used on tissue obtained from endoscopy and biopsy of the ulcer. This is a rapid urease test that produces relatively rapid results and is inexpensive to perform once the tissue has been biopsied.
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