This test screens for H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause digestive issues. Over time, it can cause ulcers and may increase your risk of stomach cancer. Symptoms of infection include bloating, upset stomach, nausea, and fatigue. The BreathTek™ UBiT® is a non-invasive test that uses your breath to detect H. pylori and monitor its treatment. Fasting for 1 hour before test is required.
You might consider testing when experiencing the following:
Experience persistent or recurrent pain in the stomach area
Have mild to moderate digestive issues that have not been previously investigated
Have frequent nausea
Are persistently bloated or belching often
Have a burning sensation in your stomach or throat
Smoke/use tobacco products regularly
Have discomfort in your stomach/throat when lying down, late at night, or after eating greasy foods
Are taking an NSAID (aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, etc.)
Have a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Have been told you are iron deficient without a cause
Some medication could affect test accuracy – NOTE: the discontinuation of prescribed medication should only be done in consult with your doctor.
PPIs (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, etc.)
Pepto-Bismol
Antibiotics including treatment for H. pylori
Test should not be ordered if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have had unexplained weight loss over the past few months
Experience trouble swallowing
Have low blood count, called anemia
Have persistent vomiting
Have yellowing of the skin, called jaundice
Have a known allergic reaction to mannitol, citric acid, or aspartame
Are under the age of 21 or over the age of 60
This test does not require fasting.