Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
The stomach acid test is used to measure the quantity and acidity of stomach contents.
Alternative Names
Gastric acid secretion test
How the test is performed
After not eating for a period of time, fluid is all that remains in the stomach. This fluid can be removed via a tube inserted into the stomach through the esophagus (food pipe).
To test the ability of cells in the stomach to release acid,
How to prepare for the test
You will be asked not to eat or drink for 4 - 6 hours before the test.
How the test will feel
You may notice some discomfort or a gagging feeling as the tube is passed through your nose or mouth, and down your esophagus.
Why the test is performed
This test may be used for a number of reasons:
- To check if anti-ulcer medications are working
- To check if material is coming back up from the small intestine
- To test for the cause of
ulcers
Images
Review Date: 11/11/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of
Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San
Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
