Secretin stimulation test

What the risks are:

Risks are associated with placement of the tube. There is a very small risk of the tube being placed into the bronchi (lungs) rather than the stomach, however, correct placement of the tube is verified prior to performing the test.

Special considerations:

Secretin is a hormone secreted by the small intestines in the presence of partially-digested food from the stomach; this hormone normally stimulates the pancreas to secrete a fluid with a high concentration of bicarbonate. This fluid neutralizes the acidity from the stomach that is necessary for a number of enzymes to function in the breakdown and absorption of food.