Urease Test explained

The urease test is used to differentiate urease-positive organisms (e.g. Proteus) from other organisms. It can also be used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori.

The urease test is used to determine the ability of an organism to split urea, through the production of the enzyme urease. Two units of ammonia are formed with resulting alkalinity in the presence of the enzyme, and the increased pH is detected by a pH indicator.

For more about the urease test, see a special technical note from Public Health England.

Posted by Tim Sandle