The urease test is a laboratory test used to identify bacteria by detecting the activity of an enzyme that bacteria may or may not have. Urease is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of urea in ammonia and bicarbonate, which reduces the pH of the place where it is present.and promotes its proliferation.
This test is mainly used in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, or H.pylori, which is responsible for several problems, such as gastritis, esophagitis, duodenite, ulcer and stomach cancer, for this reason.If suspected, the gastroenterologist may perform the urease test during endoscopy.If this is the case, treatment is initiated quickly to prevent the development of the disease and relieve the person’s symptoms.
- The urease test is performed in the laboratory by analyzing the collected material.
- Isolating the microorganism being performed.
- And biochemical identification tests.
- Including the urease test.
- To perform the test.
- The isolated microorganism is inoculated in the culture medium containing urea and the pH indicator to red phenol.
The result is considered positive when the bacterium that possesses the enzyme urease is able to degrade the urea, resulting in ammonia and bicarbonate, and this reaction is perceived by changing the color of the medium from yellow to pink/red.The urease test is negative when there is no change in the color of the medium, indicating that the bacteria does not possess the enzyme It is important that the results are interpreted within 24 hours so that there is no risk of false positives, which are those that due to the aging of the medium, the urea begins to degrade, which can change the color.
In the case of the urease test for H infection.pylori, the test is performed during the high endoscopy exam, which is a test that evaluates the health of the esophagus and stomach, without causing pain or discomfort to the patient and the result may be During the exam, a small piece of the stomach wall is removed and placed in a vial containing urea and an indicator of pH.Si after a few minutes the middle changes color , the test is said to be positive for urease., confirming H.Pylori infection.See what symptoms may indicate an H infection.Pylori.
In addition to identifying Helicobacter pylori infection, the urease test is performed to identify several bacteria, and the test is also positive for Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus spp.And Klebsiella pneumoniae, for example.
If the urease test is normally performed in the lab routine, no test preparation is required; However, if performed during endoscopy, it is important for the person to follow all the rules of the test, such as avoiding the use of antacids and fasting for at least 8 hours.
Performing the urease test during endoscopy is important for your doctor to determine the best form of treatment, especially for ulcers, for example.