A Pioneering new test which could prevent the development of stomach cancer has been launched by the York Nutritional Laboratory.

The ground-breaking test, which uses a pin-prick sample of blood provided by patients in their home, detects signs of the bacteria helicobacter pylori.

The bacteria is linked to duodenal and gastric ulcers that can put patients at a bigger risk of developing stomach cancer.

Developed by the Clifton Moor-based laboratory, the new test aims to increase early detection of the bacteria so that the more serious conditions it can cause can be detected earlier and treated more effectively.

Trials of the test, which provides results in 14 days, have shown it is highly accurate in showing up the bacteria, according to the laboratory.

It uses the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA) which provides fast and accurate confirmation of the infection in a low cost, pain-free and easy-to-use way, they say.

The helicobacter pylori bacterium was first isolated 15 years ago. Around 30 per cent of people in the West and 80 per cent in developing countries are carriers, although in most cases it does not produce symptoms.

Dr Mike Matthews, a Harrogate GP and consulting physician to York Nutritional Laboratory, said: "Stomach ailments are a significant problem for the nation's health. Many can be treated by antacids while some are more serious.

"It is very useful to have available an inexpensive and reliable test that enables patients and their GPs to determine treatment in light of whether or not their discomfort can be treated simply with antacids or whether it is caused by helicobacter pylori and a different approach is needed.

"The test may also prove to be very important because in Britain stomach cancer is often detected too late for the best treatment."

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