Have you been having stomach pain or heartburn for a while? Or do you have stomach ulcers that keep coming back even after taking medication? At times like these, your doctor may ask you to have a special blood test. That's what the Gastrin Test is. Let's talk about this in a clear and simple way today.
Let's first see, what is Gastrin?
Simply put, gastrin is a hormone that is produced inside our stomach. It is produced by a special type of cell called G-cells, which are found in the walls of our stomach. These cells are not only in the stomach, but also in the upper part of our small intestine.
So the main function of this gastrin hormone is to stimulate the production of gastric acid in the stomach. It's like someone is giving a signal saying, "Okay, start making acid now." This gastric acid is essential for the digestion and absorption of the food we eat, especially proteins and amino acids. Just think, our stomachs produce about 2 to 3 liters of this acidic liquid per day!
Why would a doctor recommend this test?
If your doctor has any doubts about your gastrin levels, that is, if they think they are too high or too low, they may recommend this test. Because changes in gastrin levels can be a sign of a problem in our digestive system.
Usually, if you have symptoms like these, you are referred for this test:
- Frequent stomach pain .
- Persistent diarrhea .
- Peptic ulcers that recur despite medication.
Additionally, this test is sometimes performed on someone who has had a gastrin-producing tumor surgically removed to confirm whether the tumor has returned.
How do we prepare before the test?
This is like some other blood tests , and requires a little preparation.
- Fasting for 12 hours: It is best not to eat anything for 12 hours before the test. However, it is okay to drink water.
- No alcohol: You should completely avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.
- Tell your doctor about your medications: This is the most important thing. You should definitely tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and any illegal drugs you are taking. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications for a few days before the test.
The most important thing is, do not stop any of your medications or change the dosage without asking your doctor.
| Things that can affect the test results | |
|---|---|
| Surgery | If you have previously had or are scheduled to have surgery for stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer). |
| Diet | If you eat too much protein-rich foods (e.g. meat, fish, eggs). |
| Other medical conditions | If you take insulin for diabetes. |
| Medicines | Calcium pills, antacids for gastritis, and other medications that affect stomach acid production. |
| Beverages | If you drink beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, some soft drinks). |
| Other medications | Some medications used for depression. |
What can we learn from the results?
When you receive the test results (report), before trying to interpret the values, take it to your doctor. These values can vary slightly from lab to lab. Also, a doctor will compare them with factors like your age and symptoms to reach a conclusion.
Typically, healthy levels are as follows:
| Age group | Normal gastrin level (pg/mL) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 0 - 180 pg/mL (may increase slightly with age) |
| Children | 0 - 125 pg/mL |
*pg/mL stands for picograms per milliliter of blood, which is the number of picograms contained in a milliliter of blood. This is a unit of measurement.*
What if gastrin levels are higher than normal?
There can be several reasons for elevated gastrin levels.
- Zollinger-Ellison (ZE) syndrome: This is a rare condition. It is caused by a tumor that produces gastrin somewhere in the digestive system. These tumors are called gastrinomas. They most often develop in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) or in the pancreas. In addition, these tumors secrete gastrin, which causes excess stomach acid. This is what causes diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
- Other common causes: But the two most common causes of high gastrin levels are the acid-reducing medications we take for reflux/heartburn and a condition called chronic atrophic gastritis. Both of these causes damage the lining of the stomach and reduce acid production. This causes the stomach's acidity (pH) to decrease and become more alkaline. In response, the brain thinks, "Okay, we're making more acid, we need to make more." So it tries to make more acid by producing more of the hormone gastrin. That's why gastrin levels rise.
- After surgery: As mentioned earlier, if a gastrinoma is surgically removed and the gastrin levels are elevated when tested again, it means that the tumor may have recurred. If the levels do not decrease after surgery, it may mean that the surgery was not successful.
What if gastrin levels are lower than normal?
This is a very rare condition. Low gastrin levels are usually not a cause for concern. However, if they are, the stomach may not be able to properly absorb nutrients from food. There may also be a slight increase in the risk of digestive tract infections.
Generally, there is nothing to worry about if gastrin levels are in the normal range or low.
Take-Home Message
- A gastrin test is a simple blood test that measures the level of gastrin, a hormone that controls the production of stomach acid.
- A doctor may recommend this test if you have frequent stomach pain, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers that don't heal.
- You must fast for 12 hours before the test. It is also essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Various reasons can cause elevated gastrin levels, from certain medications you take to rare cancerous conditions.
- Whatever the result of your test report, only your doctor can provide the most accurate diagnosis by comparing it with your symptoms and health history.
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