Serum/plasma concentration of gastrin (fasting)
This test measures the amount of gastrin, a hormone produced by cells in the stomach lining, when your stomach is empty.
["Fasting gastrin helps diagnose conditions affecting stomach acid and hormone production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73175-2
- Short code
- RABEprazole ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- RABEprazole ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 a fasting gastrin test to check for conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare tumor causing excessive stomach acid) or other stomach or pancreas issues. It’s often done after other tests, such as an upper endoscopy or imaging studies, to confirm or investigate symptoms like stomach ulcers, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to fast (no food or drink except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort afterward.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may suggest conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other hypersecretory states. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate stomach or pancreas issues that affect hormone production. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated gastrin levels are strongly linked to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where a tumor (gastrinoma) releases excess gastrin, leading to severe stomach acid production. Other conditions, such as chronic atrophic gastritis or pancreatic tumors, can also cause abnormal gastrin levels. Low levels may indicate conditions like pernicious anemia or other gastric atrophy. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Fasting Gastrin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated gastrin levels?
How long does it take to get results?
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