Age group preference of non-invasive Helicobacter pylori detection methods

Background: Helicobacter pylori non-invasive detection methods are commonly used with test selection dependant on access and previous infection. Stool antigen testing (SAT) is to detect active infection for ease of sample collection. This study focussed the age group trends eradication screening. Methods: retrospective cohort quantitative based 20,998 tests including SAT, urea breath (UBT) or H. serology via Southern IML Pathology between 2018–2020 followed local ethics approval (HREC 2021/377). Test percentage positives per total percentages within groups were calculated each test. Testing following positive biopsy was also assessed. Results: Highest percent group: SAT 80–89yo 18.6% (24/129), UBT 0–9yo 20.8% (5/24) 90–99yo 32.6% (14/43). majority 67.4% (215/319), 10–89yo 59.4% (12,223/20,588) 48.3% (43/89). biopsy: 8/8 negative; 6/6 positive; 228/337 (67.66%) negative 109/337 (32.34%) positive. Conclusion: underutilised compared serology, other than in paediatric setting. Serology inappropriately older confirmed would be more appropriate these settings.