Gastrin

Results

A gastrin test measures the level of the hormone gastrin in the blood. Results are usually available in 1 to 2 days.

Normal

The range of normal gastrin values may vary from lab to lab. Normal values may be higher in very young children and older adults.

Gastrin

Adults:	Less than 200 pg/mL or less than 95 pmol/L
Children:	Less than 125 pg/mL or less than 60 pmol/L

 

Many conditions can change gastrin levels. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and medical history.

High levels

High gastrin levels may be caused by:

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disease that can cause gastrin levels to increase as high as 450,000 pg/mL.
• Pernicious anemia and conditions in which the stomach is unable to produce gastric acid, such as atrophic gastritis.
• Kidney failure.
• Diseases such as G-cell hyperplasia, peptic ulcers, hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, and stomach cancer.
• Surgery to remove a large portion of the intestines (small bowel resection).

Low levels

Low gastrin levels may be caused by hypothyroidism.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: April 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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