H. Pylori Breath Test
About the Test
🏠 Collection Method: At-home or In-person
🧪 Sample Type: Breath
🔞 Age: 3+
⚠️ Preparation: You will usually need to fast (no food or drink, including water, gum, or candy) for at least 1 hour before the test. Certain prescription and non-prescription treatments may impact the accuracy of your test results. Only stop taking any prescribed medications after consulting with your healthcare provider.
📊 After the test: Results can take a few hours to a few days. Sent to you directly.
$119.00
HOW IT WORKS
Skip the doctor’s visit – purchase directly and get started.
Book your sample collection at Genics Laboratories locations, or choose the convenient in-home collection option if available in your area.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
No doctor visit needed. If available in your area, enjoy the convenience of in-home sample collection for just $69 extra.
After completing your purchase Genics Mobile Phlebotomy Coordinator will contact you to arrange your in-home sample collection appointment.
A certified Genics Mobile phlebotomist will come to your home to collect your sample and deliver it securely to our laboratory for processing.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
What’s Tested
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that thrives in your stomach’s acidic environment by neutralizing acid. It burrows into the stomach’s protective lining, causing inflammation (gastritis) and weakening the barrier against digestive acids.
This can lead to painful peptic ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and weight loss. Untreated, chronic H. pylori infection significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer and a rare stomach lymphoma. Detecting and treating H. pylori is vital for preventing these serious consequences and maintaining digestive health.
The H. pylori Breath Test identifies the labeled carbon dioxide (CO₂) in your exhaled breath. This occurs because if H. pylori bacteria are present, their urease enzyme breaks down the special labeled urea solution you drink, releasing CO₂ that is absorbed and then exhaled, confirming an active infection.
- The Labeled Urea: You drink a solution containing urea that has been “labeled” with a specific, safe, non-radioactive isotope of carbon, usually C. This C is harmless and naturally present in small amounts in the environment.
- The Chemical Reaction:
- If H. pylori bacteria are present in your stomach, their urease enzyme will break down the ingested labeled urea.
- This breakdown reaction produces ammonia and labeled carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- Exhalation and Detection:
- The labeled carbon dioxide (¹³CO₂) is absorbed from your stomach into your bloodstream.
- It then travels to your lungs and is subsequently exhaled in your breath.
- By comparing the amount of ¹³CO₂ in a breath sample taken after you drink the solution to a baseline sample taken before, the lab can determine if there’s been a significant increase in this labeled CO₂.
- The Interpretation: A significant increase in CO₂ indicates that the urease enzyme was active in your stomach, which strongly points to the presence of an active H. pylori infection.
Physician Review included
What to expect after the test
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.