What is a rapid urease test?
A urease rapid test is used for the detection of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The bacterium contains the enzyme urease, which can split urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. The test can detect this reaction by a change in pH value.
The pH value change is indicated by a color indicator. The test is used in daily clinical practice for gastroscopy. The removed tissue can thus be reliably tested for the bacterium.
The indications for a urease rapid test
The Urease Rapid Test is performed if chronic gastritis is suspected. Gastritis describes an inflammation of the stomach lining, which is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and heartburn. Especially if the cause of the development of a gastritis is unclear or an infection with Helicobacter pylori is suspected, a gastroscopy, i.e. a gastroscopy, should be performed. The tissue removed can then be examined using the rapid test.
When does a rapid urease test not make sense?
If the exact cause of the gastric mucosa is known, gastroscopy (gastroscopy) with tissue removal is not necessary. This procedure would then be superfluous. Even if the suspicion of a colonization of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori seems unlikely, this test should not be performed. There are other alternatives to diagnose this bacterium, which are less invasive.
Can I buy a rapid urease test over the counter at the pharmacy?
The Urease Rapid Test cannot be purchased in a pharmacy or the test requires tissue from the stomach lining. This tissue can actually only be removed by gastroscopy. For this reason a private individual cannot perform the urease rapid test. However, there are other alternatives available on the market that can be purchased over the counter. For example, there are tests that can detect the Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood or the antigen of the bacterium in the stool.
Can this be done at home or can it only be done by a doctor?
As explained above, the Urease Rapid Test can only be performed by a physician. This is because the test requires tissue from the stomach lining, which is taken in a gastroscopy. There are, however, other test options that can be performed at home.
The bacterium can be detected in whole blood or in stool. In case of a positive test result, however, one should definitely consult a doctor who will confirm this result again and, if necessary, initiate a therapy. An infection with Helicobacter pylori should not be underestimated, as it can lead to a chronic inflammation of the stomach. In the worst case, stomach ulcers and malignant changes can even develop, which is why a medical clarification is essential.
