Evaluation of a Clinical Role for Serology to Helicobacter pylori

Demand for endoscopy services is growing inexorably and diverse strategies have been proposed to use them more effectively [1,8]. One suggestion has been centred around the close association between Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcers and the development of accurate serological tests for the presence of this organism. This could allow endoscopy to be targetted to patients serologically positive for H. pylori, among whom nearly all peptic ulcers should occur. We have examined the likely results of implementing three different strategies for easing endoscopic workload, using retrospective data from dyspepsia clinics.