Serum or Plasma Gastrin Concentration (12-hour Suppression Test)
This test measures the amount of gastrin, a hormone produced by cells in the stomach lining, after you’ve eaten a small meal and taken a medication to stimulate stomach acid production. It helps diagnose conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other hypersecretory disorders.
["Gastrin levels help identify stomach-related disorders that may cause excessive acid production or unusual symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47898-2
- Short code
- GH 2.25h p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 2.25h p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent heartburn, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, or unexplained ulcers. It’s also used to check for rare tumors (like gastrinomas) that produce too much gastrin. The test helps rule out conditions that can cause abnormal stomach acid levels.
How the Test Works
You’ll eat a low-fat meal and then take a medication called pentagastrin to trigger the release of gastrin. Blood is drawn at set intervals to measure your gastrin levels. The test lasts about 2 hours and requires a few blood samples.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals or certain medications (like proton pump inhibitors) that could affect results. Tell your doctor about any allergies or conditions before the test.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll lie down comfortably while a nurse inserts a needle into your arm. Blood will be drawn at scheduled times. The process is quick and usually painless, though you may feel slight discomfort at the needle site.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High gastrin levels after stimulation may indicate a gastrinoma (a tumor that overproduces gastrin) or other disorders causing excessive stomach acid. Low levels may suggest stomach acid deficiency or other digestive issues. This test helps guide treatment for conditions like ulcers, reflux, or rare tumors.
Short name
Gastrin Level (Post-Pentagastrin)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
Will I feel any side effects from the medication?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy