Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is considered the gold standard for diagnosing active Helicobacter pylori infection?

1. A Helicobacter pylori titer

2. An endoscopy with tissue biopsy

3. An upper GI series

4. A urea breath test

The correct answer is: An endoscopy with tissue biopsy

The gold standard for diagnosing active Helicobacter pylori infection is an endoscopy with tissue biopsy. This procedure allows for direct visualization of the gastric mucosa and enables healthcare providers to obtain tissue samples. These samples can then be tested specifically for the presence of H. pylori, using histological examination, culture, or other methods, offering conclusive evidence of infection. While other diagnostic tests, such as urea breath tests and serological tests, are useful and commonly employed, they may not provide the definitive diagnosis that a biopsy does. Urea breath tests are non-invasive and useful for indicating active infection but can be less reliable in certain situations, such as after treatment. Upper GI series can help visualize abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but they do not specifically diagnose H. pylori infection. Hence, the endoscopy with tissue biopsy stands out as the most definitive way to confirm the presence of active H. pylori.