Gastrin blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Gastrin is a hormone produced mainly by G cells in the lower part of the stomach. When you eat, gastrin is released into the blood and signals the stomach lining to produce acid, which helps digest food. Once enough acid is present, gastrin release normally falls back.

Gastrin levels can rise when stomach acid is low, for example with long-term use of acid-reducing medicines or with autoimmune gastritis, and in rare conditions where a gastrin-producing growth drives excess acid. Because so many everyday factors affect it, gastrin is a specialist test that is read alongside symptoms and other investigations.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have persistent indigestion, heartburn or upper abdominal discomfort that your GP is aware of.
• You have had stomach or duodenal ulcers that keep returning.
• Your practitioner wants to explore stomach acid production or autoimmune gastritis.
• You have low vitamin B12 and your clinician is looking at possible stomach causes.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your gastrin level with the laboratory reference range. A mildly raised gastrin is commonly caused by acid-reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, by H. pylori infection or by reduced acid production in the stomach. Very high levels are uncommon and need specialist assessment.

Gastrin cannot diagnose a condition by itself. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, who may suggest further tests or referral to your GP. Difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools or unexplained weight loss should be reported to your GP promptly.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is needed: please do not eat for 10 to 12 hours before your sample, and drink only water. Acid-reducing medicines, especially proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, raise gastrin. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor first, but tell us what you take so the value can be read correctly. We will confirm preparation when you book.

If you are looking into digestive symptoms, the Digestive Health Check looks at H. pylori, a common cause of stomach inflammation. Gastrin is also included in Omnia Signature. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a gastrin test in Chiswick?

A gastrin blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £139. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast for a gastrin test?

Yes. Eating raises gastrin, so a fast of 10 to 12 hours, with water only, gives the most reliable reading.

Will my indigestion medicine affect the result?

Yes. Proton pump inhibitors and some other acid-reducing medicines raise gastrin. Tell us what you take, and speak to your doctor before making any change.

Can gastrin diagnose a stomach ulcer?

No. Ulcers are diagnosed with an endoscopy or by testing for H. pylori. Gastrin may help explain why ulcers recur but is not a diagnostic test for them.