Rapid urease test

This test detects a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by finding the presence of urease. Urease is an enzyme produced by H. pylori. This test uses a procedure called gastric endoscopy and biopsy to collect stomach lining cells. This test is used to diagnose and manage gastrointestinal (digestive) disorders associated with H. pylori, such as suspected H. pylori infection or cancer of the stomach.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Helicobacter pylori gastrointestinal tract infection
• Stomach cancer

An endoscopy is a procedure that requires your written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a history of nosebleeds, throat infections, chest pain, heart conditions, or a recent heart attack. Inform the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics.

To prepare for an endoscopy, you may be offered a mild sedative prior to the procedure to help you relax. To decrease pain, you will also receive a local anesthetic.

An endoscope is done with conscious sedation through an IV catheter. A local anesthesia will be sprayed into your mouth to prevent you from gagging or coughing when the endoscope is inserted. The endoscope, a flexible fiberoptic instrument that carries a tiny camera, is passed through your mouth. A device called a bite block may be used to protect your teeth. The endoscope then passes through your throat, esophagus (food tube), stomach, and duodenum. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to view the lining of the organs. Samples of cells or tissues may be collected through the endoscope. These samples are then sent to laboratory for testing.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

Before the endoscopy, a local anesthesia is sprayed into your mouth. You may feel mild discomfort at the back of your throat. This will make your swallowing difficult. You will also receive medicine called conscious sedation, which puts you in a dream-like state where you should not feel pain or remember the procedure. However, you are still awake enough to move and respond to directions. During the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort when the endoscope enters your mouth. You may also feel the movement of the scope in your abdomen. After the procedure, you may have a sore throat or cough for several days.

Following an endoscopy and collection of a sample of cells or tissue, you will need to rest until healthcare workers say that you are able to leave the facility. Your throat may feel sore or dry for a short time. Contact your healthcare worker if you cough up significant amounts of bright red or dark-colored blood, have a high fever, have difficulty swallowing, or have black stools.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.