Gastrin

The gastrin, serum test measures the concentration of gastrin in the bloodstream.

• The gastrin, serum test is typically conducted to determine abnormal gastrin production and diagnose disorders related to gastric acid hypersecretion.

• It is used to assist in the diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison (ZE) syndrome, hyperplasia of G-cells, and gastrinomas, which are gastrin-producing tumors.

• It helps identify pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by destruction of acid-secreting (parietal) cells of the stomach.

• It can serve as an adjunct to clinical assessment, imaging studies, and other tests in the evaluation of patients with recurrent peptic ulcers or chronic gastritis.

The gastrin, serum test may be recommended in the following situations:

• When a patient presents with symptoms of gastric acid hypersecretion, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea.

• To investigate possible causes of elevated gastrin levels, such as gastrinoma, ZE syndrome, or pernicious anemia.

• To monitor the effectiveness and safety of treatments that affect gastrin levels, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers), or somatostatin analogs.

A positive result in the gastrin, serum test may suggest an overproduction or excess exposure to gastrin, which may lead to conditions such as ZE syndrome, gastrinoma, or pernicious anemia. High gastrin levels can also cause excessive gastric acid secretion, which can damage the lining of the stomach and duodenum and result in peptic ulcers or bleeding.

The test typically involves a blood draw, where a healthcare professional will collect a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in the arm. The procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive.

Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions before the test, such as fasting for a certain period or discontinuing certain medications. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure accurate test results.

• Gastric acid analysis: To measure the amount and pH of gastric acid in the stomach.

• Gastric pH monitoring: To record the changes in gastric pH over a period of time.

• Gastric emptying study: To evaluate how fast food leaves the stomach.

• Endoscopy: To examine the inside of the digestive tract using a thin tube with a camera and light attached.

• Biopsy: To remove a small sample of tissue from the digestive tract for microscopic examination.

• GAST Test

• Gastrin (GAST), Serum

Zollinger-Ellison (ZE) syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of gastrin-secreting tumors called gastrinomas. These tumors primarily occur in the pancreas and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Gastrinomas cause excessive production of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the stomach to produce acid. As a result, individuals with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome experience abnormally high levels of stomach acid, leading to peptic ulcers and other related complications.