MetabolicMarkers

Educational content only, not medical advice. We are not a medical provider; review your results with a licensed physician. Details

Current promotion

Peptic Ulcer Testing: H. Pylori Breath Test & GI Panels

Screen for H. pylori, the bacterium most often associated with peptic ulcers, with a simple, noninvasive breath test.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission when you purchase lab tests through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

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H. pylori Urea Breath Test $101.46 (regularly $127.95); broader GI panels from $487.96 to $856.04, promotional pricing at time of writing.

At a glance

Peptic ulcer screening centers on the Helicobacter pylori urea breath test, a noninvasive test that screens for active H. pylori infection, the bacterium most commonly associated with ulcers and gastritis. This promotion also bundles larger gastrointestinal panels that measure dozens of markers associated with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease. It is designed for adults with persistent stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion who want objective lab results to review with their doctor.

Best suited for

  • Adults with recurring burning stomach pain that gets better or worse with meals
  • People with persistent heartburn, bloating, or indigestion that has not resolved
  • Anyone who has completed H. pylori therapy and, with their doctor, wants a follow-up breath test to check whether the infection has cleared
  • People noticing reduced appetite or gradual unintended weight changes who want lab data to bring to an appointment
  • Those with broader digestive complaints comparing multi-marker GI panels associated with IBS or IBD

What's included

Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test

1 test, 1 biomarker; noninvasive breath sample

GI-4. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

16 tests, 77 biomarkers; blood, urine, varied specimens

GI-2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

18 tests, 85 biomarkers; blood, urine, varied specimens

GI-3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

25 tests, 95 biomarkers; blood, urine, varied specimens

The Key Blood Tests for IBS Diagnosis (And How to Monitor It)

18 tests, 79 biomarkers; blood, urine, varied specimens

The importance of testing

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine, and they are most often associated with irritation from stomach acid and infection with the bacterium H. pylori. Because early symptoms, burning stomach pain that shifts with meals, persistent bloating, heartburn, or a fading appetite, overlap with everyday indigestion, objective testing gives you and your doctor a concrete data point instead of guesswork.

The H. pylori urea breath test is the centerpiece of this screening. After you drink a urea solution, breath samples are analyzed for carbon dioxide changes produced by the bacteria. A positive result indicates an active infection to discuss with your doctor, while a negative result shows no evidence of H. pylori. Clinicians also use repeat breath testing after a course of therapy to check whether the infection has cleared, which makes it a useful marker to track over time.

If your digestive symptoms extend beyond ulcer-type pain, the promotion also includes broader GI panels, spanning roughly 16 to 25 tests and 77 to 95 biomarkers across blood and urine specimens, that measure markers associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. These wider workups can help you and your doctor see patterns across inflammation, nutrition, and organ-function markers in a single order.

A note on symptoms: vomiting blood (which can look red or black), black stools, or rapid unintended weight loss are reasons to seek medical care promptly rather than to self-order testing. Lab results are a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a substitute for one.

Promo code

ULTA6F9B

Save 20% with code ULTA6F9B, current promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.

Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the H. pylori urea breath test actually measure?

It measures carbon dioxide changes in your breath that occur when H. pylori bacteria break down a urea solution you drink before the test. A positive result indicates an active H. pylori infection, the bacterium most often associated with peptic ulcers and gastritis, while a negative result shows no evidence of the bacteria. Share either result with your doctor to decide on next steps.

Can I order peptic ulcer screening without a doctor's visit?

Yes, these tests can be ordered directly online through the partner lab without scheduling a doctor's appointment first. You choose the test, visit a local lab location to provide your sample, and receive your results securely. You should still review any positive or unexpected result with your own physician.

Is this testing available in every US state?

No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. If you live elsewhere in the US, you can typically order online and test at a nearby lab location.

Can the breath test show whether my H. pylori therapy worked?

Yes, clinicians commonly use a repeat urea breath test after therapy to check whether the infection has cleared, since it detects active infection rather than past exposure. Ask your doctor about the right timing for retesting, because testing too soon after antibiotics or acid-reducing medication can affect results.

How is the breath test different from the larger GI panels in this promotion?

The breath test screens for one thing, active H. pylori infection, while the GI panels bundle 16 to 25 tests covering 77 to 95 biomarkers associated with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease. Start with the breath test if your main concern is ulcer-type stomach pain; consider a broader panel if your symptoms are wider-ranging, and discuss the results with your doctor either way.

How do I apply the 20% discount?

Enter promo code ULTA6F9B at the partner's checkout to apply the current 20% savings. Promotions can change, so confirm the final price on the partner page before ordering.