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Stomach Acid Test

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What is Stomach Acid Test?

The stomach acid test is used to measure the quantity and acidity of stomach contents.



Alternative names

Gastric acid secretion test



How the Test is Performed

After not eating for a period of time, fluid is all that remains in the stomach. This fluid can be removed via a tube inserted through the esophagus (food pipe). To test the ability of cells in the stomach to secrete acid, gastrin may be injected just under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. The stomach contents are then removed and analyzed. Another test involves insulin-induced hypoglycemia . Enough insulin is given under the skin or through a vein to cause the blood sugar to de...



What is Stomach Acid Test?

The stomach acid test is used to measure the quantity and acidity of stomach contents.

Alternative names

Gastric acid secretion test

How the Test is Performed

After not eating for a period of time, fluid is all that remains in the stomach. This fluid can be removed via a tube inserted through the esophagus (food pipe).

To test the ability of cells in the stomach to secrete acid, gastrin may be injected just under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. The stomach contents are then removed and analyzed.

Another test involves insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Enough insulin is given under the skin or through a vein to cause the blood sugar to decrease. This causes the vagus nerve to stimulate the release of gastrin. After a short time, the stomach contents are removed and analyzed.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked not to eat or drink for 4 - 6 hours before the test.

How the Test Will Feel

You may notice some discomfort or a gagging feeling as the tube is passed through your nose or mouth, and down your esophagus.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be used for a number of reasons:

  • To check if anti-ulcer medications are working
  • To check if material is coming back up from the small intestine
  • To evaluate the cause of malabsorption of nutrients from the intestines
  • To test for the cause of ulcers

Normal Results

Normally the volume of the stomach fluid is 20 to 100 mL and the pH is acidic (1.5 to 3.5). In some situations, these numbers are converted to actual acid production in units of milliequivalents per hour.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

  • Decreased levels of stomach acid or gastrin can cause malabsorption.
  • Increased levels of gastrin can cause increased secretion of acid and may lead to ulcers (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
  • Ulcers may be caused by delayed emptying or increased secretion of acid.
  • The presence of bile in the stomach indicates material is backing up from the small intestine ( duodenum). This may happen after a partial gastrectomy.

Risks

There is a slight risk of the tube being placed through the windpipe and into the lungs instead of through the esophagus and into the stomach. The health care provider will be sure the tube is correctly placed before continuing with the test.

If the test includes injection of insulin, there is a risk of bringing on symptoms of low blood sugar.

References

Cecil Medicine

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Review Date: .11/2/2008

Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.11/2/2008

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Conversations On Stomach Acid Test

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    • Posted On March 27, 2008 07:27:50 AM

      ...e been having really bad issues with my stomach for the past couple of months. My doctior wants to do an endoscopy on me to see if I have damaged my intestines. ugh. Does anyone else have really... Read More

    • Posted On March 27, 2008 07:31:31 AM

      ... out things that will build acid in the stomach such as gum, any fizzy drink etc and build up of acid with no other foods to counteract it can cause ulcers. So try neutral foods to keep the bala... Read More

  • Esophageal Spasm/ Acid Reflux?


    • Posted On January 3, 2008 12:26:23 PM

      ... these symptoms. I started getting mild acid reflux from eating certain things as my weight crept up. Everyone's body reacts differently. If it bothers you again, I'd have it checked by a do... Read More

    • Posted On January 3, 2008 02:16:37 PM

      ... month with unbearable pain. They even tested my gall bladder mine was so bad. I take lortab for the nights when the pain is too intense and the acid blockers don't help. My doctor never sugg... Read More

  • my poor stomach


    • Posted On July 8, 2008 08:00:02 PM

      ...g issues, it tends to fluctuate with my stomach issues. My main problems are gas/bloating, switching between constipation and diarhhea, and just plain slow digestion (food sits in my stomach fo... Read More

    • Posted On July 9, 2008 08:46:24 AM

      ... for my vague and terrible life-ruining stomach problems, I have first hand knowledge of how dismissive doctors can be, especially to women, especially when it comes to digestive issues. My firs... Read More

  • LIPO DISSOLVE/Cosmetics!!!


    • Posted On July 1, 2008 10:55:14 AM

      ... im like ok!! so shes gonna do it on my stomach while i watch to learn im kinda scared and iv heard of ppl passing out and screaming and stuff so yeah but iv also seen how it works and it freaki... Read More

    • Posted On July 1, 2008 10:58:43 AM

      I did my boobs, but it was for vanity. I admitt it. I love them. I think you should, although don't consume yourself with that stuff. Don't think you can gain some weight then get it removed.. ... Read More

  • cramps & cardio


    • Posted On November 16, 2007 10:41:07 AM

      What kind of cramps? Stomach, leg? Stomach cramps (side stiches) are usually a sign that you are going faster than your heart/lungs can keep up with (I think it is a pain in the diaphragm from u... Read More

    • Posted On November 16, 2007 11:03:20 AM

      I get stomach cramps while running if I drink too much water beforehand. I've got a sensitive stomach, so I need to plan my water/food intake for exactly 1 hour before I start working out. A minu... Read More

  • lactose intolerance?


    • Posted On March 17, 2009 04:48:24 PM

      ...ugh. I have always had sort of nervous stomach, and when I get nervous feel somewhat nauseous, and I was (and am) under stress at work that was making me feel too nervous to eat sometimes when ... Read More

    • Posted On March 18, 2009 12:10:31 PM

      ...se intolerance happens when the small intestine does not make enough of the enzyme lactase. Babies' bodies make this enzyme so they can digest milk, including breast milk. Before humans became d... Read More

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