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 normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Normal values may be higher in very young children and older adults.
| Adults: |
Less than 100 Reference picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) Opens New Window[less than 48 Reference picomoles per liter (pmol/L) Opens New Window] |
|---|---|
| Children: |
10–125 pg/mL (5–60 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 past health.
High levels
High gastrin levels may be caused by:
- Reference Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Opens New Window, a rare disease that can cause gastrin levels to increase as high as 450,000 pg/mL.
- Reference Pernicious anemia Opens New Window and conditions in which the stomach is not able to produce gastric acid, such as atrophic gastritis.
- Reference Kidney failure Opens New Window.
- Diseases such as G-cell hyperplasia, Reference peptic ulcers Opens New Window, Reference hypercalcemia Opens New Window, Reference hyperparathyroidism Opens New Window, Reference sarcoidosis Opens New Window, and stomach cancer.
- Surgery to remove a large portion of the Reference intestines Opens New Window (small bowel resection).
Low levels
Low gastrin levels may be caused by Reference hypothyroidism Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
