Stomach acid test

Alternative names:

gastric acid

How the test is performed:

The gastric residue is what remains in the stomach after fasting. This fluid is aspirated through a tube inserted through the esophagus and analyzed.

To test the capacity of the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid, gastrin may be given subcutaneously (just under the skin), intramuscularly, or intravenously. The stomach contents are then aspirated and analyzed.

Another test involves insulin-induced hypoglycemia (enough insulin is given subcutaneously or intravenously to cause the blood sugar to decrease) which causes the vagus nerve to stimulate the release of gastrin. After a short time, the stomach contents are aspirated and analyzed.

How to prepare for the test:

Fast for 4-6 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

Why the test is performed:

This test may be used to test for the cause of ulcers, to detect duodenal regurgitation, to evaluate the cause of malabsorption, and to evaluate secretion of gastrin.