Gastrin

A gastrin test is a blood test to estimate the amount of gastrin hormone in the blood. Gastrin hormone is produced by the stomach’s G cells and regulates acid production. However, in the case of pancreatic or duodenal tumours, gastrin hormone levels increase.

In adults, the normal gastrin hormone ranges between 0-180 pg/mL, while in children, it ranges between 0-125 pg/mL. An increase in the gastrin level beyond the range indicates high gastrin hormone production, possibly due to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastrin-producing tumours (gastrinomas) or G-cell hyperplasia.

Gastrin test is also used to monitor the recurrence of a gastrinoma. Before the test, patients are advised not to consume medications that can increase the gastrin levels, like H2-blockers, antacids and proton pump inhibitors.