Gastrin

How To Prepare

Before having the gastrin test:

• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
• Do not eat for 12 hours before the test.
• Do not chew gum or smoke cigarettes for 4 hours before the test.
• You can drink as much water as you want up to 1 hour before the test.

Many medicines can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. You may need to stop taking some medicines before this test. Do not take nonprescription acid-reducing medicines, such as Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, Tums, or Rolaids, for 12 hours before the test.

Stress can affect gastrin levels, so you may be asked to rest quietly for 30 minutes before the blood sample is drawn.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.