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Joan Stephenson, PhD

JAMA. 2002;287:2937.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

A noninvasive breath test is as safe and effective in detecting Helicobacter pylori infection as endoscopy and is less uncomfortable and distressing for patients, according to a study by researchers in Glasgow, Scotland, in the April 27 issue of BMJ.

In the study, 708 patients under age 55 referred for endoscopic investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms were randomized to a carbon 14–urea breath test for H pylori or endoscopy plus H pylori breath testing. Patients were also asked about the degree of discomfort or distress caused by their test and whether they would undergo the same test again with or without sedation. Those with a positive test result were given antibiotics.

After 12 months, both groups reported similar reductions in symptoms. The investigators also found no sign that any significant illness requiring other treatment had been missed in the patients given the breath test without endoscopy.

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