Test For Stomach Problems

Submitted on March 27, 2012

A person could go in for a number of stomach tests such as the stomach acid test, stomach cancer tests, stomach ulcer tests, stomach scope test, and various other tests for stomach problems. Here, we focus on the stomach acid test with additional inputs on the other tests your doctor may recommend you to go in for, if you have some stomach problems.

Stomach Acid Test

The stomach acid test also known as the Gastric acid secretion test is used to measure the amounts and levels of acidity in the stomach's contents. This test involves injecting gastrin under your skin after which an analysis is done of the stomach contents.There is another test wherein hypoglycemia is induced with the help of insulin. Once the blood sugar decreases, gastrin is released and the doctor is able to remove and analyze your stomach contents.

You will be expected to stay hungry for at least 4 to 5 hours prior to the test. This test is beneficial for a number of reasons, such as to find out if anti-ulcer medication works well, to find out the cause of ulcers, and to know if waste matter from the small intestine are being released into the stomach. If the outcome of the stomach acid test is normal then the pH will be about 1.5 to 3.5 while the stomach fluids will have a volume of 20 to 100ml.

Interpretation of Test Results

These normal ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Abnormal results will mean that your gastrin levels are low and there is malabsorption. If the levels of gastrin are high then this might be a cause of ulcers.

A thorough physical examination is required to find out if you have stomach cancer. These stomach cancer tests could include any or all of the following-the fecal occult blood test, some x-rays of the stomach and esophagus area, and an endoscopy.

Stomach ulcer tests are used to detect if you have a peptic ulcer or a gastric ulcer. In this case, you have a sore in your stomach's lining or duodenum. Depending on your symptoms your doctor may recommend that you go in for a blood, breath or stool test. He may also suggest that you get an endoscopy done.

Stomach Scope Test

A stomach scope test is a non-surgical technique used to detect any problems in the upper digestive system.A simple instrument called a gastroscope is passed into your stomach and this allows your doctor to view the upper digestive system's lining on a monitor. There is no pain involved at all and it is quite a quick procedure.

In addition to the above there are some tests like the gastric emptying study, the ultrasound, a colonoscopy and a gall bladder test which you can go in for. This could be done if you have stomach troubles on a recurring basis which cannot be regularized by simply making some dietary changes or taking medication.

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