The Fortel® Ulcer (H. pylori) screening test is a simple at-home visual test to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibodies using a finger prick blood sample.

The presence of H. pylori antibodies in your blood will give a positive test result. This indicates exposure to the H. pylori bacteria that infects your stomach and may cause gastritis and stomach ulcers.

What does H. pylori do?

H. pylori weakens the protective mucus coating of the stomach and duodenum, which allows acid to go through to the sensitive lining beneath. Both acid and bacteria irritate the lining and cause a sore or ulcer.

H. pylori is common and more than 50% of the world`s population is infected with H. pylori. For most people, the infection will not cause any symptoms or problems, but in some, H. pylori can cause long-lasting irritation, swelling and pain in the stomach (severe chronic atrophic gastritis or SCAG) and stomach ulcers. This can increase the risk of some cancers, including stomach cancer.

What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?

The most common symptom of H. pylori bacterial infection in your stomach is abdominal pain. This pain or discomfort usually feels like a dull, gnawing ache, that comes and goes for several days or weeks, or wakes you up at night. It can occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal and it's relieved by eating or taking antacid medication. It can also lead to weight loss or poor appetite, bloating, burping, nausea or vomiting. Some people may experience only very mild symptoms or none at all.

The Ulcer (H. pylori) Screening Test can be used to detect Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) antibodies. Studies have shown that the presence of H. pylori antibodies in your blood may be related to gastritis, ulcers, or in some cases, it may indicate the possible presence of stomach cancer.

Always follow the instructions provided in the package with the test.

In a nutshell:

1. Take a finger prick blood sample (stick your finger with the lancet provided)

2. Place the blood sample into the test device. Add the test solution after 90 seconds

3. Read your results after 15 minutes 

Note: As with all self-testing devices, a definitive diagnosis should not be made on the basis of a single test. The diagnosis should be made by your doctor, after all clinical and laboratory findings have been evaluated. 

Note: If the test result is positive, see your doctor to confirm the results and possibly obtain treatment. If the test result is negative but you are not feeling well or if you are concerned about your health, see your doctor for further testing and diagnosis.