A 52-year old woman presented with a three-week history of epigastric aching pain, worse in the early morning before breakfast and somewhat relieved by food and antacids. Physical examination was normal. An air contrast upper GI showed a small duodenal ulcer crater and mild reflux with provocative maneuvers. Her symptoms responded well to omperazole 40 mg. per day. H. pylori antibody serology was negative.
You are concerned about a possible false negative H. pylori serology because this would cause you to miss the opportunity of treating the patient for H. pylori and preventing future ulcers. Therefore, you decide to check on the sensitivity of the H. pylori assay used by the hospital laboratory. A laboratory technician informs you that the test they use is an ELISA, IGg test performed using a commercial kit.
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