Driven by Discovery.
Trusted by Clinicians.
Built on Science.
Redefining the Standard of Care in Stealth Pathogen Diagnosis
Stealth Pathogen Testing for Functional and Integrative Medicine Providers
Treat with Confidence.
Bartonella, Babesia, Borrelia, stealth pathogens known to evade immune detection, suppress antibody responses, and persist in tissues, often go undetected by conventional diagnostics, making stealth pathogen testing an important consideration. Millions of patients remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed as a result.
Galaxy Diagnostics was built to solve this problem.
We test for Bartonella, Babesia, and Borrelia through direct detection in a single collection, backed by peer-reviewed science, to help providers identify elusive infections and take informed clinical action.
The Hidden Impact of Stealth Pathogens
14%
Only 14% of Lyme patients present with a bullseye rash (see Schwartz et al., 2017; Tibbles & Edlow, 2007; Lipsker et al., 2004)
65%
65% of patients with schizophrenia in one study tested positive for Bartonella (see Lashnits et al., 2021)
25x
Babesiosis may be underreported by a factor of 25. Estimated 46,000 U.S. cases vs. 1,834 reported by CDC (60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, 2025)
The Problem: A confusing and incomplete testing landscape.
Today’s diagnostic options are expanding, but not all are equal. Providers face a mix of direct and indirect tests with poor sensitivity and lab-developed options with unclear results and limited transparency. Many return data without clinical context, leaving providers uncertain about what’s actionable.
The Result? Diagnostic guesswork that delays treatment and undermines confidence.
Why Galaxy Exists
As CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, Nicole Bell brings both personal urgency and scientific discipline to the work of advancing complex diagnostics.
For providers managing complex, chronic cases, the challenge is often not effort. It is uncertainty.
In this video, Nicole shares why this work is personal, how misdiagnosis shaped her commitment to improving the standard of care, and why Galaxy is grounded in science, transparency, and accountability.
- Press play to watch Nicole's Story
- Captions on by default
Why Testing Falls Short
- Antibodies can take weeks to develop, missing the critical treatment window
- Serology detects exposure, not active infection
- Stealth pathogens like Bartonella, Babesia, and Borrelia evade immune detection
- Lab-developed tests vary widely in quality design, interpretation, and reproducibility
“There is no kinder form of therapy than an accurate diagnosis.”
—Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt
“Galaxy Diagnostics is the single best test you can order to manage stealth infections. When logic demands an answer, this is the tool.”
—Dr. Jay Stevens, Essential Health
Galaxy’s Approach: Science in Service of Clinical Decisions
We test for Bartonella, Babesia, and Borrelia through direct detection in a single collection, backed by peer-reviewed science, to help providers identify elusive infections and take informed clinical action.
- Digital PCR for up to 10x more sensitivity than standard PCR
- Urine antigen testing detects early and ongoing infection in chronic cases using antigen capture
- Bartonella IFA Panel covering 4 clinically relevant species, including B. koehlerae
- All backed by 450+ peer-reviewed studies
“Galaxy provided the answer when other tests fell short.”
—Dr. Shannon Smith, Turnpaugh Health & Wellness
Where Scientific Rigor Meets Clinical Relevance
Our educational content goes beyond our own findings, highlighting the latest research, clinical trends, and expert insights in the evolving world of complex pathogen detection. We stay at the forefront of the science to help providers make sense of what’s emerging, what’s credible, and what it means for patient care.
Backed by Science
Peer-reviewed science and academic partnerships validate our approach
Actionable Results
We deliver actionable insights and support so you can treat with confidence
Transparent Methods
Published peer-reviewed publications and responsive support
Trusted by Healthcare Providers Nationwide
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A Galaxy specialist will then contact you to assist based on your workflow.
Join providers already using Galaxy to catch what standard testing misses
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Order testing supplies for in clinic or drop-ship kits to patients.
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Plus, access Galaxy’s team for guidance when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do functional and integrative providers choose Galaxy Diagnostics for stealth pathogen testing?
Providers choose Galaxy because they want results they can actually trust and act on. Our testing is grounded in peer-reviewed science, so instead of guessing at a confusing diagnostic landscape, clinicians get clarity they can bring straight into patient care. We also see ourselves as more than a lab. From clinical support to ongoing research collaboration, we work alongside providers as a partner in navigating complex, chronic cases. As one of our providers put it: treat with confidence.
What makes Galaxy Diagnostics different from standard pathogen testing?
Not all testing is created equal, and that is the heart of what sets Galaxy apart. We combine advanced digital PCR (dPCR), urine antigen testing, and the broadest Bartonella IgG IFA serology panel available into one integrated approach, rather than relying on a single method that can miss what matters. We also believe in transparency: our assay design, detection thresholds, and validation methodology are documented and available for scrutiny. That transparency is part of how we earn clinical trust.
What stealth pathogens does Galaxy Diagnostics test for?
Galaxy tests for three genera known for evading conventional detection: Bartonella, Borrelia, and Babesia. These are covered through our three core assays, including a test that looks across all three genera plus an enrichment culture step specifically for Bartonella, giving providers a comprehensive view in a single diagnostic workup.
Why do stealth pathogens go undetected by conventional diagnostics?
The standard of care for tick-borne illness has two significant gaps. First, it only tests for Lyme disease, meaning Bartonella and Babesia, both common co-infections, are typically never even considered, let alone tested for. Second, standard testing relies on serology, which looks for the body’s antibody response rather than detecting the pathogen itself. Antibody-based testing can miss active presence of pathogen, particularly early in infection or in patients whose immune response is blunted or delayed. Galaxy’s approach is built to close both gaps: we test across Bartonella, Borrelia, and Babesia, and our BBB Direct Detect assay uses direct molecular detection (dPCR) rather than relying on the body’s antibody response alone.
How many peer-reviewed studies support Galaxy Diagnostics' testing methods?
Galaxy’s testing methods are backed by a substantial body of scientific literature, combined with contributions from our university research partners, over 450 peer-reviewed studies support the science behind our approach. This includes decades of foundational work from our co-founder Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt and collaborators at NC State University, whose research established the core detection science behind our Bartonella and Babesia assays.
