Ulta Lab Tests

All Digestive System Tests

“All Digestive System Tests” brings your core GI lab options into one place. A proactive plan starts by matching your question—infection, inflammation, bleeding, malabsorption, reflux/dyspepsia, or pancreatic issues—to the right stool, breath, and blood tests. Noninvasive stool markers (calprotectin/lactoferrin) help separate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from non-inflammatory causes like IBS. Pathogen PCR and C. difficile testing identify infections fast. For upper-GI concerns, H. pylori stool antigen or urea breath tests evaluate ulcer risk. Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or greasy stools point to malabsorption tests (fecal fat, pancreatic elastase) and nutrient panels.

Blood work—CBC, CMP/electrolytes, CRP/ESR, iron/ferritin, B12/folate, vitamin D, liver enzymes—adds context on hydration, anemia, inflammation, and organ status. Labs guide next steps and monitoring but do not replace a clinician’s exam, imaging, or endoscopy when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Digestive: abdominal pain/cramping, bloating, early fullness, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mucus or blood in stool

  • Systemic: fever, fatigue, unintended weight loss, night sweats

  • Malabsorption: greasy/floating stools, weight loss, low iron/B12/folate/vitamin D

  • Risk clues: recent antibiotics or hospitalization (C. difficile), travel/unsafe food, NSAID use, autoimmune disease, family history of IBD/celiac/colon cancer

  • Urgent care: severe rectal bleeding, black/tarry stools, persistent high fever with dehydration, severe abdominal pain, fainting
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Differentiate inflammation vs. functional disorders (e.g., IBD vs. IBS)

  • Detect infectious causes rapidly to guide care and reduce spread

  • Identify bleeding and malabsorption with objective markers

  • Establish baselines and trend results to time escalation (e.g., endoscopy)

What testing cannot do

  • Replace colonoscopy or upper endoscopy when visualization/biopsy is needed

  • Diagnose the exact cause of pain without clinical context

  • Serve as broad screening when symptoms are absent—use tests that fit the clinical question

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Inflammation (stool): Fecal calprotectin / lactoferrin—neutrophil proteins that rise with intestinal inflammation (IBD signal). Caveat: infection/NSAIDs can elevate; trends matter.*

  • Infection (stool): GI pathogen PCR panel (bacteria/viruses/parasites); C. difficile toxin/PCR for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Caveat: test only unformed stools for C. diff; colonization occurs.*

  • Bleeding/screening (stool): FIT (fecal immunochemical test) and stool DNA–FIT; positive → diagnostic colonoscopy. Caveat: FIT preferred over guaiac occult blood.*

  • Ulcer/H. pylori: Stool antigen or urea breath test for active infection. Caveat: follow PPI/antibiotic/bismuth medication holds for accuracy.*

  • Celiac disease (blood ± stool context): tTG-IgA + total IgA (reflex to IgG tests if IgA deficient); consider EMAfor specificity. Caveat: must be on a gluten-containing diet.*

  • Malabsorption/EPI: Fecal elastase-1 (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), fecal fat (steatorrhea). Caveat: watery stools can dilute elastase; repeat if borderline.*

  • Pancreas acute context (blood): Lipase (± amylase) for pancreatitis; triglycerides, calcium, and liver panel for causes/complications.

  • Breath tests (selected): Hydrogen/methane lactose breath (lactose malabsorption); lactulose breath (SIBO, clinician-directed). Caveat: prep affects results.*

  • Blood context labs: CBC, CMP/electrolytes, CRP/ESR, iron/ferritin, B12/folate, vitamin D, liver enzymes (ALT/AST/ALP/bilirubin)—anemia, hydration, inflammation, organ status.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Define the question: infection, inflammation, bleeding, malabsorption, reflux/ulcer, or pancreas.

  2. Select tests: choose stool/serology/breath aligned to the question; add CBC/CMP/CRP-ESR for context.

  3. Collect correctly: follow stool kit and breath-test prep (avoid contamination; observe diet/med holds).

  4. View results securely: most stool/blood tests post within a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: your clinician may recommend therapy, dietary changes, colonoscopy/endoscopy, or imaging based on combined findings.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • High fecal calprotectin/lactoferrin: supports organic inflammation (e.g., IBD) over IBS; consider repeat testing or endoscopy.

  • Positive pathogen or C. difficile: indicates infection; correlate with symptoms before escalating care.

  • Positive FIT or stool DNA–FIT: requires diagnostic colonoscopy—do not rely on repeat stool testing.

  • Positive H. pylori stool antigen/UBT: supports active infection in the right setting; follow test-of-cure timing after therapy.

  • Low fecal elastase-1 or abnormal nutrition labs: suggests malabsorption/EPI; recheck after treatment.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Inflammation vs. IBS: Fecal calprotectin (± lactoferrin) + CRP/ESR; add CBC/CMP.

  • Acute diarrhea: GI pathogen PCR; add C. difficile with recent antibiotics/hospitalization.

  • Ulcer symptoms/dyspepsia: H. pylori stool antigen or urea breath test (observe prep).

  • Chronic diarrhea/weight loss: Celiac panel, fecal fat/pancreatic elastase, and nutrient labs.

  • Bleeding/screening question: FIT or stool DNA–FIT; positive → colonoscopy.

  • Pancreatic pain: Lipase + CMP/liver panel ± triglycerides/calcium; add fecal elastase for chronic steatorrhea.

FAQs

Do stool tests replace colonoscopy?
No. Positive screens or alarm features typically require endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment.

How fast are GI pathogen PCR results?
Often 1–2 days; cultures and ova/parasite exams may take longer.

Can I test for H. pylori while on PPIs or antibiotics?
These can affect accuracy; follow the medication hold instructions on your order.

What distinguishes IBD from IBS in testing?
Fecal calprotectin/lactoferrin and CRP/ESR support IBD when elevated; IBS typically has normal inflammatory markers.

What tests check for malabsorption?
Fecal fat, pancreatic elastase, and nutrient panels (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D) provide key clues.

When do I need breath tests?
Use lactose hydrogen/methane for suspected lactose malabsorption and lactulose for SIBO when clinically directed.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Digestive System Tests Hub

  • Digestive Health • Colon (Intestine) • Diarrhea • Celiac Disease • H. pylori • Pancreatic Diseases • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) • Lactose Intolerance

  • Key Lab Tests: Fecal Calprotectin • Fecal Lactoferrin • GI Pathogen PCR • C. difficile Toxin/PCR • FIT • Stool DNA–FIT • H. pylori Stool Antigen • Urea Breath Test • Fecal Fat • Pancreatic Elastase • CBC • CMP • CRP • ESR • Iron/Ferritin • Vitamin B12 • Folate • Vitamin D • Lipase • Liver Enzymes

References

  1. American Gastroenterological Association. Fecal Calprotectin/Lactoferrin in IBD—Technical Review.

  2. Infectious Diseases Society of America. Guidelines for Infectious Diarrhea and C. difficile.

  3. American College of Gastroenterology. H. pylori and Dyspepsia—Diagnosis and Management Guidelines.

  4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Colorectal Cancer Screening—Stool-Based Options.

  5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Digestive Diseases—Testing and Diagnosis.

  6. American College of Gastroenterology/AGA. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Pancreatitis Guidance.

  7. American Society for Clinical Pathology. Appropriate Use of Stool Testing for GI Pathogens.

Available Tests & Panels

Your All Digestive System Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to select inflammation markers, infection panels, H. pylori and celiac evaluations, malabsorption/pancreatic tests, and blood context labs. Review all results with your clinician and plan next steps based on combined findings.

Ulta Lab Tests provides panels of tests for conditions that contain the tests needed to detect and manage the following conditions.

At Ulta Lab Tests, we understand the importance of diagnosing and managing digestive conditions. We provide a comprehensive range of testing solutions to keep your digestive system in optimal health. 

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The Chlamydia/Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA Urine Test screens for both chlamydia and gonorrhea infections by detecting RNA from these bacteria. Using advanced molecular technology, it offers high accuracy for diagnosing active infections. Doctors order this urine-based test to confirm infection, support early treatment, and protect sexual partners. It is an essential tool for sexual health screening, helping reduce long-term health risks and control STD spread.

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Phlebotomist
Also Known As: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Test
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The Chlamydia trachomatis RNA TMA Urine Test detects genetic material of C. trachomatis using transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), a highly sensitive method for diagnosing infection. Doctors order this noninvasive urine test for patients with symptoms like discharge, pain, or burning urination, or for routine STD screening. Results help confirm infection, guide treatment, and prevent complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, or transmission.

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Phlebotomist
Also Known As: Chlamydia Trachomatis Test, Chlamydia STD Test, Chlamydia Urine Test
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The Chromogranin A Test measures levels of chromogranin A, a protein often elevated in neuroendocrine tumors. It helps doctors monitor tumor presence, treatment response, and recurrence. Elevated results may also occur with conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis, inflammatory diseases, or use of proton pump inhibitors. Combined with imaging and other tumor markers, this test supports the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine disorders.

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The Clostridium difficile Toxin B Qualitative Test detects the presence of toxin B, a major virulence factor of C. difficile infection. This stool-based test helps identify active infection in patients with diarrhea, abdominal pain, or recent antibiotic use. Positive results support diagnosis of C. difficile–associated disease, which may cause colitis or severe gastrointestinal complications, aiding clinical evaluation and treatment decisions.

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The Clostridium difficile Toxin/GDH Test with Reflex to Qualitative PCR screens for C. difficile toxins and GDH antigen, organisms often linked to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Reflex PCR helps confirm diagnosis in unclear cases. This test aids in evaluating gastrointestinal function, infection risk, toxin activity, and systemic health effects of C. difficile–related disease.

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The Complement Total CH50 Test measures overall activity of the complement system, a key part of the immune response that helps fight infections and regulate inflammation. Abnormal results may indicate autoimmune diseases such as lupus, complement deficiencies, or immune complex disorders. Doctors use this blood test to evaluate immune function, investigate recurrent infections, and monitor treatment in patients with suspected immune or autoimmune conditions.

Blood
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Also Known As: Total Complement Test, Total Complement Activity Test
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The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

Blood
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Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

Blood
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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 
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The Creatine 24 Hour Urine Test measures creatine excretion to evaluate muscle metabolism, kidney function, and possible metabolic disorders. Abnormal levels may indicate muscular dystrophy, kidney impairment, or issues with creatine utilization. By tracking creatine over a full day, this test provides valuable insight into energy metabolism, aiding the assessment of neuromuscular health, renal function, and inherited metabolic conditions.

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The Creatine Kinase Isoenzymes Panel evaluates CK-MM, CK-MB, and CK-BB fractions to differentiate the source of elevated creatine kinase. It aids in diagnosing heart attack, skeletal muscle injury, or central nervous system damage. By analyzing isoenzyme distribution, the test supports clinical evaluation of myocardial infarction, myopathies, neurotrauma, and systemic conditions.

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The Creatine Kinase (CK) Isoenzymes with Total CK Panel measures overall CK levels and breaks them into isoenzymes (CK-MM, CK-MB, CK-BB) to identify muscle, heart, or brain injury. Elevated CK-MB may suggest a heart attack, while CK-MM points to skeletal muscle damage, and CK-BB indicates brain injury. Doctors order this test for chest pain, muscle weakness, or trauma. Results provide critical insight for diagnosing and monitoring tissue damage.

Also Known As: CPK Isoenzymes Test
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The Creatine Kinase (CK) Total Test measures CK enzyme levels in blood to detect muscle injury, inflammation, or stress. Elevated CK may indicate muscle disorders, heart attack, strenuous exercise, or conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, while low levels are less common. Doctors use this test to evaluate unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or chest pain and to monitor recovery. It provides insight into muscle, cardiac, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
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Also Known As: CK Total Test, Creatine Phosphokinase, CPK Test
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The Culture Urine Routine Test detects and identifies bacteria or yeast in urine that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). By growing microorganisms in a lab, this test determines the type of infection and guides effective treatment. Doctors use it to evaluate symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urges, or fever and to monitor recurrent UTIs. Results provide critical insight for diagnosis, antibiotic selection, and urinary health management.

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Also Known As: Urine Culture Test, Urine Culture and Sensitivity, UTI test
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The Cystatin C Test with eGFR measures blood levels of Cystatin C, a protein filtered by the kidneys, and calculates estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This test provides a sensitive marker for kidney function and can detect early kidney disease, even when creatinine levels are normal. Doctors order it to evaluate chronic kidney disease risk, monitor treatment, and assess overall kidney health in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions.

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Also Known As: CysX Test, CysC Test
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The Direct Antiglobulin Test with Reflex to Anti C3 and Anti IgG evaluates immune-mediated red blood cell destruction by detecting antibodies or complement proteins. Abnormal findings may suggest autoimmune hemolytic anemia, drug-induced hemolysis, or transfusion reaction. Reflex testing helps distinguish complement activation from IgG involvement, offering insight into immune regulation and hematologic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Direct Coombs Test, Coombs Direct Test, DAT Test
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The Endomysial IgA Antibody Screen with Reflex to Titer Test measures IgA antibodies linked to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. It supports evaluation of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, or nutrient deficiencies tied to autoimmune activity. Reflex to titer enhances diagnostic clarity, providing valuable information about intestinal damage, immune health, and systemic conditions.

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The Erythropoietin (EPO) Test measures levels of erythropoietin, a hormone made by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production. Abnormal levels may indicate anemia, chronic kidney disease, or bone marrow disorders. Elevated EPO can also occur with low oxygen levels or tumors. Doctors order this test for patients with unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or abnormal blood counts. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of anemia-related conditions.

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Also Known As: Erythropoietin Test
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The Fecal Globin by Immunochemistry Test detects hidden (occult) blood in stool using antibodies that identify human globin protein. This test helps screen for colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Doctors order it when patients have anemia, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Results provide early detection of digestive tract bleeding, guiding further evaluation with colonoscopy or other diagnostic procedures.

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Also Known As: Fecal Immunochemical Test, Fecal Occult Blood Test, Stool Occult Blood Test, FIT Test, FOBT
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The Ferritin Test measures ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, to evaluate iron levels and detect deficiency or overload. It helps diagnose anemia, iron deficiency, hemochromatosis, and chronic disease-related inflammation. Doctors often order the ferritin test to investigate fatigue, weakness, or unexplained symptoms. It is also used to monitor iron supplementation, treatment effectiveness, and overall iron metabolism health.

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Also Known As: Iron Storage Test
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Digestive Health Conditions & Blood Tests

People tend to overlook their digestive health. With so much focus on cancer, heart attacks, and strokes, it's easy for your gut health to get lost in the shuffle. 

That's why it's vital to have digestive lab tests done regularly. Catching digestive system conditions before they start is the best way to treat them. 

If monitoring your gut health is new to you, don't worry. In this article, we're going to cover everything you need to know about your gut.  

Digestive System Conditions 

There are different kinds of gastrointestinal lab tests to monitor different enzymes and bacteria in your gut. The bacteria in your gut is known as "good bacteria." These bacteria need to maintain their presence in your stomach for the system to remain healthy in the long run. An unhealthy digestive system can give rise to the following conditions.

Celiac Disease 

This is an acute gluten sensitivity in the digestive system. People with celiac disease suffer from an immune response triggered in the small intestine whenever they eat foods containing gluten. Gluten is common in flour and wheat-based products. If you don't treat celiac disease, it can affect the absorption of nutrients in your small intestines, and the lining of your small intestine will begin to deteriorate over time. The damage done by celiac disease to your small intestines can lead to more severe complications in the future. 

Symptoms of Celiac Disease include: 

  • Fatigue 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Bloating 
  • Constipation 
  • Weight loss 
  • Nausea and vomiting 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a blanket term that covers several conditions that affect the bowels. The two major types of inflammatory bowel disease are colitis & Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis involves ulcers and inflammation along the lining of the large intestine. This condition can affect your rectum and colon too. Crohn's disease has similar symptoms to colitis and also involves the swelling of the digestive tract. Crohn's can affect the deeper layers of the digestive tract. 

Symptoms Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease include:

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fatigue 
  • Fast weight loss 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Blood in stools  

Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

IBS affects the lower and upper regions of the GI tract. The condition can affect the small intestines, large intestines, and colon at the same time—people suffering from IBS experience chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, or both. Medical experts believe that IBS occurs due to severe food poisoning. 

Lactose Intolerance 

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose. This condition occurs due to a lack of lactase enzymes in the digestive system. Lactase is the enzyme responsible for processing lactose in the body. When lactase levels are low in a person's body, they may suffer from lactose intolerance.  

Symptoms Of Lactose Intolerance include:

  • Bloating 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Gas 
  • Pancreatic disease 
  • Stomach cramps 
  • Nausea and vomiting   

Pancreatic Diseases

Problems in your digestive tract can result in several pancreatic diseases, including acute pancreatitis. If you don't treat acute pancreatitis on time, it can lead to much bigger problems in the long run. 

Symptoms Of Pancreas Malfunction include:

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Excess gas 
  • Abdominal pain and swelling 
  • Weight loss 
  • Malnutrition 
  • Fever 
  • Light-colored stools  
  • Foul-smelling stools 
  • Diarrhea 

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2-3 days, make sure you consult a doctor.  

Peptic Ulcers 

Peptic ulcers develop in the inner lining of the stomach. They usually affect the upper section of the small intestine and occur as duodenal ulcers or gastric ulcers. While duodenal ulcers occur in the upper section of the small intestine or the duodenum, gastric ulcers will occur in the stomach.  

Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers include:

  • Bloating 
  • Feeling full 
  • Heartburn 
  • Belching 
  • Nausea 
  • Burning pain in the stomach 
  • Intolerance to fatty foods 

Lab Tests for Digestive Conditions 

Digestive lab tests help screen, diagnose, and monitor various digestive conditions. Two of the most common and effective digestive lab tests are the stool culture and fecal occult test. The fecal occult test checks for blood in your stool. The test is conducted by placing a fecal sample on a special card. The card is then sent to a lab for testing. The stool culture test searches for abnormal bacteria in the stool, and results will take at least 2-3 days. 

In addition to the above tests, doctors can use imaging tests to take an in-depth look at a patient's digestive system.  

Here are some of the most popular procedures to monitor digestive conditions: 

  • Lower GI series 
  • CT or CAT scan 
  • MRI 
  • Upper GI series 
  • Colonoscopy 
  • Ultrasound 

Digestive System Lab Tests FAQs 

Digestive conditions cover a wide range of diseases affecting the digestive system of a person. If you don't know what you are looking for, it is easy for these conditions to be overlooked. Here are some of the most common FAQs about digestive disorders and lab tests: 

Q. What are the most common problems in the GI tract? 

Heartburn, IBS, and cancer are some of the most common conditions that affect a person's digestive system. Rectal problems such as fissures and hemorrhoids also can occur.  

Q. What are the most common signs and symptoms of digestive conditions? 

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Bloating 
  • Swelling 
  • Belching 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Gas  
  • Fatigue 
  • Constipation 

If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, you should consult a doctor. 

Q. Does bloodwork reveal digestive problems? 

Yes. Your doctor can order blood tests to diagnose a digestive problem. The tests will check for levels of specific substances in the blood. Bloodwork is common in diagnosing Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. 

Solving Your Digestive Problems 

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are some things that you will love about Ulta Lab Tests: 

  • You don't need health insurance 
  • Your results are confidential and secure 
  • We offer affordable rates for lab tests 
  • You don't need a physician's referral 
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee 

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!