Background：The rapid urease test has been widely used for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection because it is easy, simple and rapid result. The CLO test and PyloriTek test observe color changes after the gastric biopsy specimens are inerted into the test kits. Because H. pylori is not evenly distributed in the gastric mucosa, grinding or mincing of gastric specimens prior to culture enhances isolation rate of H. pylori. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of rubbing the gastric biopsy specimens onto the urea soaked filter paper in this home-made rapid urease test.

Methods：Forty-three patients referred for upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy were evaluated for H. pylori infection. The home-made rapid urease test was prepared by soaking a piece of Whatman No. 2 filter paper in 2% urea agar. We compared the results of the home-made rapid urease test with histologic examination, gram stain, CLO test and culture.

Results：Of forty-three patients, 28 were found to be H. pylori-positive either by gram stain or by culture. The sensitivity and specificity of CLO test, based on the results of gram stain and culture were 85.7% and 92.9%. The sensitivity and specificity of home-made rapid urease test, based on the results of gram stain and culture were 92.9% and 92.9%.

Conclusions：The home-made rapid urease test is faster and shows a high sensitivity and specificity. (Korean J Clin Microbiol 1999;2:54~57)