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This information explains what this medical test checks, how it is performed, and why your healthcare provider may recommend it for you.

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A laboratory test that measures the concentration of calcium in the fluid from your stomach.

Quick summary

{"This test measures calcium levels in stomach (gastric) fluid","It helps diagnose conditions affecting stomach acid and calcium absorption","The test is performed using a sample collected through a stomach tube or during endoscopy","Normal results help assess proper gastric function and calcium metabolism"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14419-6
Short code
Ca Gastric
Synonyms
Calcium Gast-sCnc
Category
electrolyte
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube for serum collection; sterile container for gastric fluid aspirate
Units
not specified
Ref low
2.2
Ref high
2.6
Critical range
1.9 not specified – 3 not specified
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or Ion-selective electrode (ISE) methodology
CPT
82310 (Calcium, serum, quantitative)
SNOMED
27144006
Specimen volume
1-2 mL of serum or gastric fluid aspirate
Stability
Serum: room temperature 24 hours, refrigerated 7 days, frozen 3 months. Gastric fluid: analyze within 2 hours if possible, refrigerate if delay >2 hours.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this medical test used to measure or detect?

The Gastric Fluid Calcium Test measures the amount of calcium present in the fluid produced by your stomach. Calcium is an important electrolyte that plays a vital role in bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. This specific test focuses on the calcium content in gastric secretions, which can provide valuable information about your digestive system function.

How will the test be performed, and what should I expect?

To collect a gastric fluid sample, a thin flexible tube (nasogastric tube) is passed through your nose or mouth down into your stomach. Alternatively, the sample may be collected during an endoscopy procedure. The collected fluid is then sent to a laboratory where the calcium concentration is measured using specialized equipment. The results are typically reported in moles per volume (mmol/L).

Why might my healthcare provider recommend that I have this medical test as part of my ongoing care?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms related to digestive disorders, abnormal calcium levels, or conditions that affect stomach acid production. It can help evaluate conditions such as hyperchlorhydria (excessive stomach acid), hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or certain malabsorption disorders.

Reference range

No established reference rangenot specified

Specimen: serum

Overnight fasting (8-12 h); no antacids or acid-suppressing meds; collection via nasogastric tube

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Abnormal gastric fluid calcium levels may indicate various medical conditions. Low calcium in gastric fluid might suggest hypochlorhydria, which can affect calcium absorption and lead to conditions like osteoporosis. Elevated levels may be associated with conditions causing excessive gastric acid production. This test helps healthcare providers assess gastric function and its relationship to calcium metabolism in the body.

Frequently asked questions

Is the test painful?
You may feel some discomfort when the tube is inserted through your nose or mouth, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. The collection itself is painless.
How long does the test take?
The sample collection typically takes about 15-30 minutes. Results are usually available within a few days.
Do I need to fast before the test?
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Usually, you may need to fast for several hours before the test to ensure an accurate sample of gastric fluid.
What do abnormal results mean?
Abnormal results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and other test results. Further testing may be needed to determine the exact cause.
  1. 1
    LOINC Code 14419-6 - Calcium [Moles/volume] in Gastric fluidSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Gastric AnalysisSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy