Gastrin

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 eat or drink anything with caffeine, such as coffee, 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, especially acid-reducing medicines, such as Pepcid, Prilosec, Rolaids, Tums, or Zantac. You may need to stop taking some medicines before this 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 mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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