Gastrin — Qualitative Test
Detects whether gastrin is present in a patient sample. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates stomach acid production.
["This test reports whether gastrin is detected, but it does not measure the hormone's concentration."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61090-7
- Short code
- PPAA Gast Ql
- Synonyms
- PPAA Gast Ql
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
What is this test?
Gastrin is a hormone released by the stomach that helps control gastric acid secretion. This qualitative test checks whether gastrin is detectable in the submitted sample rather than reporting a measured concentration.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest excessive stomach acid, a gastrin-producing tumor, or reduced stomach function. It may also be used during the evaluation of anemia associated with chronic stomach inflammation.
How is the test performed?
Gastrin is generally measured using a blood sample, which is processed in the laboratory and tested with an assay. The result is reported as detected or not detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions, including any fasting or medication guidance. Acid-suppressing medicines can substantially affect gastrin levels, so tell the clinician about all medicines and supplements; do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detectable gastrin must be interpreted with the clinical findings and any quantitative gastrin testing. Elevated or unexpectedly detectable gastrin may occur with gastrin-producing tumors, reduced stomach acid, chronic atrophic gastritis, kidney dysfunction, or use of acid-suppressing medicines.
Short name
Qualitative Gastrin Test
Frequently asked questions
Does a qualitative gastrin result provide a specific gastrin level?
Can acid-suppressing medicines affect the result?
What conditions can cause an elevated gastrin level?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy