Purpose of the Gastrin Blood Test
The gastrin test helps diagnose Zollinger-Ellison (Z-E) syndrome, G-cell hyperplasia, and other gastrinomas (tumors secreting gastrin), which lead to excessive gastrin production. It also detects recurring peptic ulcers and other medical conditions like hypercalcemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colon cancer.
What Does the Gastrin Test Measure?
The gastrin lab test evaluates gastrin, a hormone released by the stomach’s antrum through its G-cells. Gastrin plays a crucial role in the secretion of gastric acid. And as acidity in the stomach increases, gastrin production subsequently decreases.
However, abdominal issues lead to the overproduction of gastrin which can result in peptic ulcers. For example, gastrinomas (tumors formed in the pancreas) produce large amounts of gastrin. These tumors are malignant half of the time, leading to cancer of the liver and other nearby organs.
Who Should Take a Gastrin Level Blood Test?
Those who experience increased gastric acid production should consider taking the gastrin blood test. You may observe symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, blood in the vomit, bleeding in the GI tract, decreased appetite, and sudden weight loss.
Gastrin Lab Test Preparation
Before having your blood sample collected, make sure to fast for 12 hours (overnight fasting). Do not drink alcohol or take medications that may elevate gastrin levels, like antacids and proton pump inhibitors. Consult your doctor regarding the stomach medications you’re taking and how long you should abstain from taking the drugs before testing.
Gastrin Blood Test Results
Gastrin Levels Reference Range (Quest Diagnostics):
- Aged 5 to 17 years old: less than 65 pg/mL
- 18 years and above: less than or equal to 100 pg/mL
Gastrin Levels Reference Range (Labcorp):
- Aged 1 to 16 years old: 1 to 125 pg/mL
- 17 years and above: 0 to 115 pg/mL
Low gastrin levels typically do not ring any alarm, healthwise. However, if your result shows elevated gastrin going past the normal reference interval, it could suggest different types of health conditions.
To diagnose the specific disorder you may have, your doctor will request additional tests and medical procedures like the following.
- Zollinger-Ellison (Z-E) syndrome: Upper GI endoscopy
- Hypercalcemia: comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP 14) blood test, ionized calcium blood test
- Colon cancer: endoscopic procedures, fecal occult blood, immunoassay blood test
- Peptic ulcers: Helicobacter pylori antigen, EIA, stool
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): anemia profile blood test, fecal occult blood, immunoassay blood, endoscopic procedures
Where Can I Get Gastrin Testing Done Near Me?
Order the gastrin blood test online at Personalabs. Simply follow these steps.
Step 1: Type in the gastrin blood test on our website and download the lab test order. This becomes your doctor’s order for your bloodwork.
Step 2: Choose an affiliate medical laboratory near you using our lab locator.
Step 3: Go to the laboratory you chose and have your blood sample drawn.
Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.
For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.
