Re: Helicobacter pylori

[don@radpro.uchicago.edu]

One valid reason would be that the test involving C-14 is less
dangerous than the existing methods.  Obtaining samples for culture 
is an invasive procedure involving a number of possible risks to the 
patient, e.g., anasthesia to insert an endoscope.  I recently had 
endoscopy to rule out an ulcer and I was out for most of the day.  
Swallowing a little C-14 almost certainly entails far less risk, especially 
if the labeled compound will not be incorporated into the patient.