INTEGRATION OF AN AMMONIA SENSOR INTO VIDEO ENDOSCOPY FOR EARLY DETECTION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION

Abstract The early diagnosis of gastrointestinal pathologies is of great importance in clinical practice. Currently, endoscopic diagnosis is carried out using visual and invasive biopsy techniques. These methods have limitations in detecting early functional and metabolic changes. Particularly in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, metabolic abnormalities develop before morphological changes. As a result, false-negative results can occur during the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. This study proposes a novel endoscopic detection procedure using an ammonia (NH₃) sensor into endoscopic systems for the early and non-invasive detection of H. pylori infection. A scientific justification of the sensor selection is presented based on the clinical literature. A design of the distal tip of the endoscope, which facilitates real-time measurement of the concentration of ammonia, is also presented. It is ensured that the integration of the sensor does not affect the optical and mechanical functionality of the endoscope. The measured ammonia levels were normalized and classified into clinical risk categories, and the raw sensor data was converted into a digital diagnostic indicator. The proposed framework of methodology increases the level of objectivity of diagnostics, minimizes unnecessary random biopsies, and offers a scientific basis for the development of artificial intelligence-based multimodal endoscopic diagnostic systems.