A gastrin blood test is a laboratory test that measures the level of gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is a hormone that is produced by the cells in the stomach lining and plays an important role in the digestive process. It stimulates the production of stomach acid and helps move food through the digestive tract.

The gastrin blood test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to the production of stomach acid, such as gastrinomas (a type of tumor that produces excess gastrin) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition that causes excessive acid production in the stomach).

During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from your arm and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test are reported as the amount of gastrin present in your blood, usually measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).

Normal levels of gastrin in the blood vary depending on the specific laboratory and testing method used, but generally range from 0 to 100 pg/mL. Higher levels of gastrin may indicate the presence of a gastrin-producing tumor or other condition that causes increased gastrin production. However, other factors such as medications, stress, and certain medical conditions can also affect gastrin levels, so a single test result may not be sufficient to diagnose a gastrinoma or other condition.

If your gastrin levels are elevated, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as imaging studies or a gastric acid secretion test, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. Treatment for gastrinomas and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may include medications to reduce stomach acid production, surgery to remove the tumor, or a combination of both.

Overall, the gastrin blood test is a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to stomach acid production. If you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or acid reflux, or have been diagnosed with a gastrinoma or other related condition, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a gastrin blood test or other tests may be appropriate for you.