Table 2.

Nonendoscopic tests for Heliobacter pylori.

Test	Advantages	Disadvantages
Serology	Widely available Least expensive of available tests	Positive results may reflect previous rather than current infection Not recommended for confirming eradication
Urea breath test	High negative and positive predictive values Useful before and after treatment	False negative results are possible in the presence of PPIs or with recent use of antibiotics or bismuth preparations Specialized equipment is required to perform the test
Stool antigen test	High negative and positive predictive values with monoclonal antibody test Useful before and after treatment	Process of stool collection may be distasteful to patients False negative results are possible in the presence of PPIs or with recent use of antibiotics or bismuth preparations

Adapted from McColl KE. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:1597-1604.

PPI=proton pump inhibitor.