Gastrin is a GI tract hormone which originates in the G cells of the gut and is secreted directly into the blood stream. Gastrin affects smooth muscle to stimulate gastric motility, and the secretory cells of the gut to stimulate acid secretion. The secretion of gastrin is stimulated by the products of digestion and distension of the antral pouch. Gastrin secretion is inhibited by VIP, glucagon and calcitonin. Indications for measuring: diagnosis of Zollinger Ellison syndrome, gastrinoma, recurrent ulcer disease, high gastric acid output.
Tube
04 (EP) – EDTA Plasma
ID
Tests&Tubes0196
Additional information
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome is caused by a gastrinoma or antral G cell hyperplasia and is characterised by peptic ulceration, gastric acid hypersecretion. Other causes of elevated gastrin include achlorhydria (highest levels seen in pernicious anaemia), post surgery (vagotomy, retained isolated antrum, short gut syndrome), drugs, renal failure and hypercalcaemia. Interpretation of result: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors lead to falsely elevated gastrin. Levels are usually > 100 pmol/L in Zollinger Ellison Syndrome but any value > 40 pmol/L is consistent with gastrinoma.
Turn around
Turnaround time stated by Charing Cross: 21 days
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Blood Sciences LGI
(Test referred to: Charing Cross (NW London Pathology))
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Advice
Full Referred Test details logged internally on the referred test database [BSF2REC17003]
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Collection Con
Minimum Volume: 0.5ml. **Fasting sample required (10h fast). Sample must be brought to the lab within 15 min of collection**
Instructions to lab: centrifuge immediately (does not need a refrigerated centrifuge), separate plasma and freeze.
Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range Notes
<40 pmol/L.
Units
pmol/L