Helic Kit is an immunochromatographic screening test for the qualitative determination of the Helicobacter pylori antigen in human feces. The test provides a valuable aid in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection; also known as Campylobacter pylori, it’s a gram negative bacterium that infects the gastric mucosa. Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to chronic gastritis and predisposes to duodenal and gastric ulcers and can increase the risk of stomach adenocarcinoma, so much so that it’s classified as a type I carcinogen. Helicobacter pylori infection is very widespread and has been estimated in 40-50% of the population in developed countries and reaches 80-90% of the population in developing countries.
Helic Kit is an absolutely non-invasive immunochromatographic method, simple to perform, fast and very precise in the result. The method involves the use of a specific monoclonal antibody for Helicobacter pylori attached to a chromatographic membrane.
During the examination, the sample reacts with the latex particles conjugated with the anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody found in the test area. The mixture moves along the membrane by capillary action.
The possible presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stool determines the formation of a bridge capable of binding the antibody conjugated with latex, leading to the formation of a colored band. A generic antibody capable of binding the conjugated antibody is also attached to the membrane, confirming whether or not the test is successful.
Interpretation of the result
