Gastrin is a hormone produced by "G-cells" in the part of the stomach called the antrum. It regulates the production of acid in the body of the stomach during the digestive process. This test measures the amount of gastrin in the blood to help evaluate an individual with recurrent peptic ulcers and/or other serious abdominal symptoms.
A gastrin test may be done to:
- Find out why a peptic ulcer keeps coming back.
- Check for certain diseases, such as tumors of the pancreas or small intestine (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) or abnormal growth of cells that line the stomach (G-cell hyperplasia).
- Help identify pernicious anemia.
Too much gastrin causes severe peptic ulcer disease. A higher than normal level may also be due to:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Long-term gastritis
- Over-activity of the gastrin-producing cells in the stomach (G-cell hyperplasia)
- Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach
- Use of antacids or medicines to treat heartburn
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a gastrin-producing tumor that may develop in the stomach or pancreas
Medicines that can increase gastrin measurements include antacids, H2 -blocking agents (such as cimetidine), and proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole).
LC Sample ReportQD Sample ReportTest Code(s):
004390, 478
Also Known As: gastrin hormone blood levels
Preparation:Fasting for 12-14 hours required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
Test Results:
3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
