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Our Patient Service Centers will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.  Have a healthy, happy holiday.

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Quest Diagnostics

Should I Be Tested?

H pylori infection affects nearly 40% of people in the United States

Approximately 40% of the people in the United States have an H pylori stomach infection. In most cases, this infection doesn’t become a problem. But if you suffer from indigestion that either won’t quit or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor about H pylori testing. It’s easy and can only help.

How will I know if I have H pylori?

For many people 60 and under, medical guidelines recommend one of two types of tests, a breath test or a stool test, to learn if you’re infected with H pylori. 

Testing instructions:

Both the breath test and stool test are highly accurate. An advantage of the breath test is that if your doctor suspects H pylori, the test can be taken during the same visit when you tell the doctor about your symptoms. Both tests may be covered by insurance.

Why is my doctor ordering a second H pylori test after I've finished my antibiotics?

About a quarter of the time, people may still have H pylori infection after treatment. This could be due to the antibiotics not working or because the medications were not taken as prescribed. Retesting is important to confirm that this bacteria no longer lives in your stomach.

Do you think you might have an H pylori infection?

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and testing for H pylori infection, or order a test directly from Quest. 

If you have any questions about testing for H pylori, be sure to ask your doctor.

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Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA-certified laboratories that provide HIPAA-covered services.  Other affiliates operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do not provide HIPAA-covered services. 

 

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