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Overview

Gastrin Test

Gastrin Test

The gastrin test is a blood test that measures the level of the hormone called gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is a hormone which is responsible for secretion of gastric acid aka hydrochloric acid by the stomach. When there has been an intake of food, gastrin is released into the blood. This causes secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. When the acid level of stomach increases, the body produces less gastrin. A gastrin test is conducted when the person is suffering from conditions like diarrhoea, abdominal pain and peptic ulcers. Medicines or antacids used to treat heartburn may also cause gastrin levels to spike up.

It is recommended that you wear a shirt wherein your arm is exposed for easy withdrawal of blood. The dietary restrictions require you to not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test. Do not eat for 12 hours before the test. You are also advised not to intake caffeine containing food (like coffee) for 12 hours before the test. Do not chew gum or smoke cigarettes for 4 hours before the test. Certain medications also affect the test results. Talk to your doctor regarding the medications you take. Stress also affects the gastrin levels in the body. You may be asked to lie down quietly for about 30 minutes before the test.

The gastrin test is used to detect the excess levels of gastrin and gastric acid in the body. It is also used to monitor for recurrence of tumour, following the surgical removal of gastrinoma. The test helps understand reason for recurrent peptic ulcer. It is also used for the diagnosis of gastrin producing tumours called gastrinomas. This condition is known as Zollinger-Ellison (ZE) syndrome. It helps identify pernicious anaemia. A higher than normal level of gastrin in the blood also indicates long term gastritis.

A few millilitres of blood sample will be obtained directly from your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your arm to make the veins swell with blood. The site to be injected is cleansed with antiseptic. The needle is inserted into the vein and a tube attached to the needle is then filled up with blood. Once the required amount of blood has been withdrawn, the needle is removed. A gauze pad or cotton ball is placed over the punctured area as the needle is removed. The sample is transferred to the laboratory for further examination.

LimitationsGastric hyperacidity must be documented. Gastric ulcer, chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, pyloric obstruction, carcinoma of stomach,5 vagotomy without gastric resection, retained gastric antrum and short bowel syndrome have been reported with moderate elevations of gastrin levels. Gastrin levels are increased with pernicious anemia. H2-receptor blockers (cimetidine) may result in elevated levels. Overlap of serum gastrin values between gastrinoma and other states occurs. Up to 40% of Z-E patients have fasting gastrin values between 100 and 500 pg/mL, while a few patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer without gastrinoma, have results in this range. At least half of patients with the Z-E syndrome lack diagnostic serum gastrin levels, although in nearly all, fasting serum gastrin levels are increased.4 One report describes a patient with Z-E syndrome with a normal initial gastrin level.6
Specimen
Serum, frozen
Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Gastrin
Unisex
All age groups
< 100 pg/ml
Average price range of the test is between Rs.1250 to Rs.3150 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Gastrin Test?
Preparation for Gastrin Test
Uses of Gastrin Test
Procedure for Gastrin Test
Limitations of Gastrin Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Gastrin Test
Price for Gastrin Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

I am 24 years old. I am having gas problems in my stomach and also disturbance with gas in by digestive system. Can you help me to find a solution?

M.B.S.(HOMEO), MD - Homeopathy
Homeopath, Visakhapatnam
I am 24 years old. I am having gas problems in my stomach and also disturbance with gas in by digestive system. Can y...
In digestion, acidity often results from dietary errors, a lack of dietary enzymes or an imbalance in the basic nutrients. The results range from belching, acid stomachs, heartburn and flatulence to bloating and gas, strained digestion and fatigue. SOME OF HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES Natrum phos, the acidity cell salt, is the star here as its source is key to breaking down stomach acid and other acids throughout the body. Natrum sulph, the fluid balancing cell salt, helps reduce bloating and gas, water build-up and other symptoms related to digestion and fluids. Silica, a strengthening cell salt, eases sluggish digestion, constipation, flatulence

Hello doctor I am male 29 years old Though I take food at regular intervals of time I still suffer from gastritis What will be the possible problem be? Also I fart often during working and even during passing stools How to get rid of gastritis and fart problem?

M.B.S.(HOMEO), MD - Homeopathy
Homeopath, Visakhapatnam
Hello doctor I am male 29 years old Though I take food at regular intervals of time I still suffer from gastritis
Wha...
Gastritis or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach may be acute or chronic. The cause may be irritation due to excessive alcohol, stress, frequent vomiting, or due to side effects of certain medicines such as the common aspirin or anti-inflammatory and other drugs. Dyspepsia #22 - An old-fashioned title for an exceptional, up-to-date homeopathic remedy, especially as holiday feasting approaches. Carbo veg - Quickly relieves gas, burping, heartburn and bloating. Nux vomica - Relieves heartburn, gas, vomiting and constipation from fatty food, alcohol, coffee or stress

Dear doctor. When I travel that time I have vomiting tendency. What is the problem. It's only starting before 1 month.

MBBS, M.D.(Gen.Medicine)
General Physician, Chennai
Dear doctor. When I travel that time I have vomiting tendency. What is the problem. It's only starting before 1 month.
Nausea or vomiting tendency while travelling is due to disturbance of vestibular mechanism in your inner ear. Taking anti-emetic half an hour before travel will control this condition, which is called motion sickness.

Feeling burning sensation at the middle of the heart while walking and nothing in normal state. Why is it so.?

BAMS
Ayurveda, Bangalore
Feeling burning sensation at the middle of the heart while walking and nothing in normal state. Why is it so.?
Hi, It may be due to gastritis or oesophagitis. Take tab. A P Har 1 tab 3 times a day and Himcocid syrup 2 tsf 3 times a day before food. Avoid hot and spicy food, oil fried food , chats and bakery food. Eat in small quantities frequently and drink plenty of water.

I am suffering from acidity. When I can't eat food on time acidity inc. Can you suggest me please what should I do?

BHMS
Homeopath, Sindhudurg
I am suffering from acidity. When I can't eat food on time acidity inc. Can you suggest me please what should I do?
Home Remedies of Acidity: Avoid all types of fast food, non-vegetarian food and oily/spicy food.Take as much fruit as possible. This will help to increase alkaline in the body, neutralizing the acidity affects. Banana, Water Melon and cucumber are few recommended fruits which are proved helpful in acidity.Drink sufficient water (At least 3 ltr). Take water more frequently.Almond helps in quick control over heart burn. Whenever you feel like heart burn, take few pieces of Almonds.Jaggery(gur) is a proven home remedy for acidity. Put one piece in mouth and suck it slowly.Green coconut water is very helpful in acidity.Sleep sufficient. Do not work till late night.Fresh mint juice helps in reducing the side effects of acidity. You can have a glass of mint juice after food for a fast relief.Take a small piece of raw garlic; this is a very good digestive element. But don’t take overdose, or else it will have negative effect on acidity.
2 people found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

Health Benefits Of Vinegar!

M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Health Benefits Of Vinegar!

13 real benefits of vinegar:

1. It reduces bloating. Vinegar increases the acidity in the stomach, which allows it to digest the food you've eaten and helps propel it into the small intestine, a because slow digestion can cause acid reflux, a burning sensation that occurs when food in your stomach backs up all the way into your esophagus.

2. It increases the benefits of the vitamins and minerals in your food" when your stomach isn't producing enough acid, this impairs the absorption of nutrients as well as b6, folate, calcium, and iron" Dr. Kellman explains. Help your body by ingesting a bit more acid in the form of vinegar, and you'll actually be able to use all the good stuff you consumed by ordering the side salad instead of fries.

3. It cancels out some of the carbs you eat. The acetic acid found in vinegar interferes with the enzymes in your stomach responsible for digesting starch so you can't absorb the calories from carbs you've eaten.

4. It softens your energy crash after eating lots of sugar or carbs. Consuming vinegar before a meal can help by slowing the rush of sugar to your blood stream, so your blood sugar spike resembles a hill instead of a mountain and you don't crash quite as hard.

5. It keeps you full longer. In a small but thorough study, researchers found that people who consumed vinegar before eating a breakfast of white bread felt more satisfied 90 minutes after eating compared to people who only ate the bread.

6. It can help your muscles produce energy more efficiently before a major push. Endurance athletes sometimes drink diluted vinegar before they carb-load the night before competing because acetic acid can helps the muscles turn carbs into energy to fuel intense exercise, according to well-regarded research conducted on animals.

7. It could lower your blood pressure. Animal studies suggest that drinking vinegar can lower your blood pressure by a few points. Researchers don't understand exactly how this works or whether it is equally effective among humans, but johnston is pretty confident it can make at least a modest difference.

8. It cleans fruits and veggies. The best way to clean produce, according to johnston, is with diluted vinegar: research suggests its antibacterial properties can significantly reduce pathogens such as salmonella. Just fill an empty spray bottle with diluted vinegar and spritz your produce (salad stuff, fruits, etc.) then rinse in regular water before serving.

And don't rely on a vinegar-based salad dressing to redeem a dirty deli's salad bar fare: johnston worries that mixing vinegar with ingredients found in salad dressings (like salt or olive oil) or with actual salad could render acetic acid inactive, and says that more research is needed on the topic.

9. It kills bad breath. You might have heard that the antibacterial properties of vinegar can kill microorganisms responsible for bad breath — and in theory, this is true. However, johnston warns" it's no more effective than any other antibacterial agents, and there are better products designed for this purpose"

10. It deodorizes smelly feet. Just wipe down your clompers with a paper towel dipped in diluted vinegar. The antibacterial properties of vinegar will kill the smelly stuff.

11. It relieves jellyfish stings. In case you're ever stung by a jellyfish and just so happen to have diluted vinegar on hand, you'll be awfully lucky: vinegar deactivates the jellyfish's sting better than many other remedies even though hot water still works best, according to a study that compared both techniques.

12. It balances your body's ph levels, which could mean better bone health. Although vinegar is obviously acidic, it actually has a neutralizing effect once it's inside of you. Meaning: it makes your body's ph more basic.


13. It alleviates heartburn — vinegar's effectiveness depends on the source of your heartburn: if you have erosive heartburn caused by lesions in your esophagus or stomach ulcers, a dose of vinegar will only aggravate the problem. But if your heartburn stems from something you ate, adding acetic acid to your stomach can help neutralize the acid in there and help fix the problem, providing you with at least a little bit of comfort.

6 people found this helpful

Acidity - 4 Foods That Help!

Doctor of Naturopathy & Natural Medicines, Certified Diabetic Educator, Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE), Certificate in food Nutrition (CFN), Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Physical Education)
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Agra
Acidity - 4 Foods That Help!

4 Superfoods and home remedies to get rid of acidity

Excessive secretion of stomach acids brings about the problem of acidity with heartburn and dyspepsia being its common symptoms. There are foods as well as home remedies that can help you to get rid of this problem.

Some of them are:

1. Bananas - Being an excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps to keep acid production in balance. Moreover, certain elements in bananas aid in increasing the production of stomach mucus that helps to protect the organ from adverse effects of excessive acid production. Even its high fiber content promotes digestion, preventing the occurrence of acidity once again.

2. Ginger - Consuming ginger can help to bring about a significant improvement in digestion, superior absorption as well as proper assimilation of important nutrients. This root is helpful in protecting your body from stomach ulcers by enabling mucus production, thereby decreasing the negative effects of acid on the stomach.

3. Melons - Melons are also extremely good for fighting acidity. They have a pH of 6.1 and can be had as whole or as fruit juice. Whether it is watermelons or honeydew, these are refreshing fruits filled with nutrients. Each bite of a watermelon, for instance, contains high levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6, amino acids, antioxidants and lycopene as well as potassium.


4. Mint leaves - Even mint leaves are helpful in slowing down the acid buildup in the stomach while improving digestion. Its cooling effect can help to cut down the pain as well as burning sensation associated with acid reflux.

In addition to having these foods, there are certain home remedies that you can try for fighting acidity:

- It's wise to have your last meal about 2-3 hours before your bedtime to allow time for digestion of the food matter.
- You should always have your meals at regular fixed intervals. Keeping too wide a gap between meals can cause you to suffer from acidity.
- To curb instances of acidity, it's best to avoid spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Having a glass of lukewarm water daily can also help in combating acidity. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

3347 people found this helpful

Causes Of Gastritis And Its Ayurvedic Treatment!

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicines and Surgery(BAMS), Post Graduation Diploma in Emergency Medicines And Services(PGDEMS), MD - Alternate Medicine
Ayurvedic Doctor, Delhi
Causes Of Gastritis And Its Ayurvedic Treatment!

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian life science that requires you to make various lifestyle changes along with the use of medication that is based on herbs and condiments with massages and Yogic postures. This field of medicine believes in getting to the root of the problem so as to cure it and prevent it in the future as well. Gastritis is no different and enjoys the same kind of attention when it comes to Ayurveda.

Here is everything you need to know about the Ayurvedic perspective of gastritis:

  • Definition: As per Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhva Amlapitta, which can lead to the occurrence of stomach ulcers when the inflammation of the stomach lining goes untreated for a prolonged period of time. This inflammation is the basic outcome of the condition.
  • Causes: Problems in the Vata Dosha, one of the three Doshas in the body, can cause this condition. Also, a build up of Ama or toxins due to poor digestive health, can lead to the occurrence of this disease. As per Ayurveda, there are many reasons that may cause this toxin build up and the imbalance in the Vata Dosha. This includes eating spicy food on a regular or frequent basis and taking too many drugs like pain killers and analgesics which can lead to this condition. Also, too much of alcohol consumption and greasy food can cause gastritis. Further, one of the main causes of gastritis as per Ayurveda, is the presence of too much stress and worry, and the lack of a proper routine when it comes to eating, sleeping and exercising.
  • Symptoms: The main symptoms include appetite loss and nausea, as well as discomfort and pain in the abdomen. Gastrointestinal bleeding and blood discharge may also occur for patients suffering from this condition. Headaches and vomiting are also common symptoms of this condition.
  • Medication: There are various Ayurvedic medicines that can help in treating this condition. Sukumara Ghrita are ghee based preparations that can be taken every morning with a glass of warm milk in order to activate the digestive fires and improve the digestive powers. The difference can usually be seen in a matter of days. Dhatri Lauha includes amla juice which should be taken twice a day. Lemon juice, ajwain, amla and ginger are also helpful in such situations.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding spicy and greasy food as well as stopping alcohol abuse and smoking can help in curing this condition. One should also stay away from excessively stressful mental and physical tasks.

Taking the right steps at the right time for a proper routine with good habits can help in treating this condition as per Ayurveda. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ayurveda.

5354 people found this helpful

Balance Disorders - Causes And Prevention

MS - ENT, MBBS
ENT Specialist, Delhi
Balance Disorders - Causes And Prevention

Balance disorder is more prevalent in old people, but they are not the only ones who are affected by it. There are many causes that can lead to Balance disorder and some of them can be controlled. Balance problem causes spinning of head coupled with dizziness while standing or sitting, which can lead to an injurious fall.

Symptoms
The common symptoms of Balance disorder include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Depression, anxiety or fear
  • Blurred vision
  • Disorientation
  • Tiredness
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Changes in heart rate and blood pressure

Causes

  • Ear infection: If the vestibular system (which is also called the labyrinth) inside your ear gets infected and inflamed, it can cause Balance disorder. This is because the inner part of the ear is responsible for coordination and balance.  This condition is known as labyrinthitis and it is frequently accompanied by dizziness and vertigo. Viral and respiratory infections can also cause labyrinthitis.
  • Poor circulation: Certain diseases associated with the circulatory system, such as stroke can cause dizziness and various other Balance problems.
  • Medications: There are certain medications that can lead to Balance disorder, such as medications to normalize blood pressure can cause dizziness. Ototoxic drugs are infamous for causing ear problems that lead to imbalance. Sometimes its ill effects are felt only during the period of using, but many people have suffered permanent ear damage.

Other causes of Balance disorder include head injury, imbalance of chemicals in the brain, arthritis, neurological conditions and aging.

Prevention

  • Balanced diet: Meniere's disease is a condition that causes ear problems, which lead to vertigo. It is primarily connected to the change in the volume of fluid in the inner ear. Try to eliminate salt from your diet and abstain from alcohol in order to prevent such a condition.
  • Prevention of ear infections: Otitis media is a common kind of ear infection seen in children, but adults can have it too. It causes dizziness and nausea. Completing the antibiotics course helps prevent this infection. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ent Specialist.
3476 people found this helpful

Top Ten Calcium Supplements!

MBBS,CCA,DCA,AASECT,FPA,AAD,F.H.R.SM.I.M.S
General Physician, Gorakhpur
Top Ten Calcium Supplements!

Calcium is an essential mineral in our diet, and makes up roughly 2% of an adult’s body weight. It is a critical aspect of our bone growth, development and maintenance throughout our entire lives, which is why a deficiency of this mineral is such a serious problem. Fortunately, there are many different calcium supplements on the market to ensure that we get the recommended amount of calcium that our body needs to function and support itself properly.

What are calcium supplements?

  • Calcium supplements are ways to get your daily recommended amount of calcium up to its proper levels – roughly 1, 000-1, 200 milligrams per day for men and women. These calcium supplements are tablets or pills with concentrated levels of calcium, and tend to come in two forms: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
  • Calcium carbonate is the more concentratedof the two, with each pill composed of roughly 40% calcium, but it requires stomach acid to be dissolved and absorbed by the body. Therefore, these pills need to be eaten with your meals.
  • Calcium citrate is weaker, providing only 20% calcium in each pill, but they can be taken on an empty stomach, as they do not require stomach acid to be dissolved. Elderly patients suffering from calcium deficiency more commonly use calcium citrate, as stomach acid production slows down as we age.
  • Since calcium can only be absorbed and used in small amounts by the body, most calcium supplements range from 150-500 milligrams and are taken 1-2 times per day, depending on how poor your calcium levels are, and how much calcium your typical diet includes. Many supplements also include other minerals in which people are commonly deficient, such as magnesium and vitamin d.
  • Speak with your doctor about which of the following calcium supplements may be best for you.

List of calcium supplements:

1. Calcium carbonate

Tums 500os-cal 500caltrate 600viactiv calcium chewsgnc calcium complete

2. Calcium citrate

Cluebonnet calcium citrate magnesium and vitamin d3rainbow light mini-tabletsswanson calcium citrate and vitamin dsolgar calcium citratetwinlab calcium citrate caps

Why do you need calcium?

As mentioned earlier, calcium is required by the body for bone mineral density, and a deficiency in this mineral will increase the risk of osteoporosis, as well as osteopenia. Some of the common symptoms of calcium deficiency include fainting, muscle weakness, psoriasis, brittle nails, tooth decay, seizures, itching, problems swallowing and numbness in the fingers and toes.

Aside from bone strength and durability, calcium is also needed by the body for proper nerve communication and function, as well as for the contraction of muscles throughout the body. Calcium plays a role in protecting cardiac muscle, controlling blood pressure, strengthening the teeth and gums, transporting nutrients throughout the body and keeping the ph balance of the body in line.

Clearly, deficiencies in this important mineral must be taken seriously, due to their comprehensive effects on health.

Food sources of calcium

While supplements are always available to increase your daily intake of calcium, there are also many calcium-rich foods that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.

Kaleyogurtcheesebok choysardineskefirwatercressfigsclamsgreen beanssesame seeds oranges almonds

Benefits of calcium supplements

Calcium supplements can be very effective for improving bone strength, particularly as you age, after a major injury, illness or surgery, or if you are already at high risk for osteoporosis (due to contributing health factors). These supplements can also help in the prevention of arthritis and to help maintain your weight. Furthermore, since so many calcium supplements include magnesium, vitamin d and other commonly deficient vitamins, use of these nutritional supplements can help your body in many other ways too!

Side effects of calcium supplements

The regular use of calcium supplements can have certain negative side effects, such as constipation, excess gas, nausea, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, dry mouth, headaches or dizziness. These are mainly experienced when you suffer from hypercalcemia, which means your body is taking in too much calcium. When calcium is taken in large concentrations, the body is unable to process all of it at once, so it could begin depositing it in the wrong places.

This sort of excessive calcium in the body can lead to problems with the kidneys, muscles, stomach, bones and even the brain, causing irritability and even depression. If you experience ongoing symptoms of sore muscles and joints, pain in your back and spine, decreased appetite or excessive urination, you are likely suffering from too much calcium.

Speak to your doctor or nutritionist before adding calcium supplements to your daily intake; if your diet already accounts for the daily recommended amount of calcium, there is no need to take supplements.

Things to consider while taking calcium supplements

Before you choose to take calcium supplements, there are a few things to consider, namely your age, diet, pre-existing medical conditions and prescribed medications.

1. Age: depending on how old you are, as well as your gender, you may require more or less calcium. Women under 50 and men under 70 only require 1, 000 milligrams a day, where as women over 50 and men over 70 require approximately 1, 200 milligrams per day. As your age changes, if your diet doesn’t, you may want to consider supplementing with calcium to keep your bones strong.

2. Diet: while there are many different foods that can deliver calcium, certain dietary choices and styles may inherently keep your calcium content low. Vegans tend to lack calcium, as they don’t include dairy products in their diet, which is a great and consistent source of calcium. Furthermore, people who consume foods that are high in protein or sodium tend to lose more calcium through urination, which can lead to osteoporosis, even if your intake of calcium seems acceptable.

3. Medical conditions: certain diseases and conditions demand more calcium from the body, prevent calcium absorption, or cause excessive calcium loss. If you have suffer from chronic inflammation, crohn’s disease or celiac disease, the condition may be preventing calcium absorption in the gut, and calcium supplements may be a good thing. However, if you are at high risk for kidney stones or prostate cancer, high levels of calcium could heighten that risk.

4. Medications: the use of corticosteroids is quite common for chronic disease, and this can lower the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Furthermore, if you are taking antibiotics, it can interfere with how your body takes in calcium, so supplements may be required.

5. Other mineral deficiencies: some of the body’s receptors for nutrients are shared, so calcium, iron and zinc are often in competition in the gut to be absorbed and used. If you have other mineral deficiencies, it may be wise to space out your supplements, rather than taking them all at once, so that your body can properly process each of them.
 

7 people found this helpful