From August 2007 to May 2008, consecutive patients
undergoing gastroscopy for various indications at the
Endoscopy Unit of Alexandra Hospital, Singapore were
recruited for this study. Patients who had been taking
proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics one month prior to
the endoscopy session, on chronic immunosuppressant
therapy or had previous gastric surgery, as well as
pregnant or lactating women, were excluded. Written
informed consent was obtained from all participants
before enrolment into the study. Approval for the
study was obtained from the Domain Specifc Review
Board (domain D) and funding provided by the NMRC
Enabling Grant, thus ensuring that no extra cost was
borne by the patients.