Gastrin, Serum
Use
The Gastrin, Serum test is useful for investigating patients with conditions such as achlorhydria, pernicious anemia, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and diagnosing gastrinoma. It measures the level of gastrin in the serum, which can be elevated in conditions where there is a compensatory response to low gastric acidity or as a result of a gastrinoma. Elevated gastrin levels are also significant in understanding gastric motility and peptic hormone dynamics.
Special Instructions
Patients need a 12-hour fast before specimen collection. During this time, patients should avoid multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin and, if possible, avoid proton pump inhibitors and gastrointestinal motility-interfering drugs for specified periods before the test.
Limitations
Isolated serum gastrin levels must be interpreted in a fasting patient, as nonfasting specimens are uninterpretable. Artifactual hypergastrinemia can occur in patients undergoing certain procedures or with kidney failure. The presence of heterophile antibodies can interfere with the assay. Drugs affecting gastric acid secretion or gastrointestinal motility may elevate serum gastrin levels significantly.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2333-3
- 2333-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Patients should fast for 12 hours before collection. Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection; refrigerated centrifugation is preferred. Immediately aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 12 hours required. Avoid biotin for 12 hours and proton pump inhibitors for 1 week prior to collection, if medically feasible.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
| Frozen | 30 days |