[Histonet] H. pylori immunos on gastric biopsies

[RSRICHMOND <@t> aol.com]

I've finally had a chance to compare two methods - our lab changed from 
Giemsa (actually Diff-Quik II generic equivalent) to immunostaining a few months 
ago.

It's a lot easier to find the bacteria with the immunostain than it is with 
the dye technique, but bacterial morphology is not as good. If I were seeing 17 
total cases a day with one gastric biopsy every other day, and had time to 
search the slide with an oil immersion lens, I'd rather have the dye technique. 
But when I have to sign out 60 cases in a day, with 10 gastric biopsies, I'd 
rather have the immunostain.

Clinically, there are several ways to make the diagnosis: biopsy sections, 
urease (Clo-Test) testing of a biopsy specimens, serology, isotopically labeled 
urea with breath testing. Obviously as a pathologist I have my prejudices, but 
there's nothing like tissue sections to pin down the diagnosis of chronic 
active gastritis and make sure the patient doesn't have a lymphoma or carcinoma 
lurking in there as well.

Bob Richmond
Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia NC