Gastro panel

A prolonged feeling of heaviness in the stomach, early fullness or upper abdominal discomfort can have various causes. Measuring gastrin 17 and pepsinogen in blood can help a doctor assess the stomach lining and choose further investigations. The result does not replace gastroscopy when there is a medical reason for it.

Who the panel is for

• people with prolonged upper abdominal symptoms whose doctor has suggested these laboratory investigations
• people being assessed for changes in the stomach lining
• people with existing stomach symptoms whose doctor wants additional laboratory information
• people who want to understand the difference between blood markers, Helicobacter pylori testing and endoscopic examination

What the panel contains and shows

• Gastrin 17: a hormone associated with regulating stomach acid secretion. Its value also depends on sampling circumstances and medications you take.
• Pepsinogen: a precursor of the digestive enzyme pepsin. Its value can provide additional information for assessing the stomach lining.

This group of tests is not the same as the broader digestive panel, which also includes stool tests.

Preparation and sample

Gastrin 17 and pepsinogen are measured in venous blood. Come fasting for the blood draw, after 12 hours without food. A meal can stimulate gastrin secretion and change the result.

If you take medicines to reduce stomach acid, tell the doctor or person collecting the sample which medicine and dose you take. These medicines can increase gastrin and change pepsinogen values. Do not stop them on your own before testing.

How to interpret the result

Lower fasting gastrin 17 may accompany increased stomach acid secretion, but also changes in the cells producing this hormone. Elevated gastrin may occur when less acid is secreted, for example because of medications or changes in the stomach lining. An elevated or low value therefore does not always have the same cause.

For pepsinogen, the meaning depends on the fraction measured and the pattern of change. Some patterns may suggest inflammation, while others suggest atrophy, meaning thinning of the lining and loss of gastric glands.

If the result suggests atrophy, a doctor may recommend gastroscopy with tissue sampling to confirm the changes. Blood markers help select the direction of investigation, while changes in the lining are confirmed through examination and tissue analysis.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the service price list. You can receive free consultations with your results.

Frequently asked questions

Can this result replace gastroscopy?

No. Blood tests provide indirect information, while gastroscopy enables examination of the lining and, when needed, tissue sampling.

Should I stop taking my stomach acid medicine?

Do not change your therapy on your own. When arranging testing, state the medicine and dose so you can receive instructions tailored to the test.