Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test
Short Name: Secretin Stimulation Test
Also known as: Secretin Stimulation Test for Gastrin, Secretin Provocation Test, Secretin Test for Gastrinoma, Gastrin Provocation Test
Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,500. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in Same-day report if samples are received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test is performed to diagnose or rule out Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinoma) and other conditions characterised by excessive gastrin secretion. It helps differentiate between benign hypergastrinaemia (e.g., due to proton pump inhibitor use, atrophic gastritis) and pathological hypergastrinaemia caused by a gastrin-secreting tumour. The test is also useful for monitoring patients with known gastrinomas and evaluating the completeness of surgical resection.
- Test Code
- 656
- CPT Code
- 82941
- ICD Code
- E16.4
- Price
- ₹11,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Same-day report if samples are received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (12 hours)
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting for at least 12 hours is mandatory. Inform your doctor about all medications, especially proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, as these may need to be discontinued before the test. Avoid alcohol and smoking for 24 hours before the test. An intravenous line will be placed before specimen collection begins.
Method: Venipuncture with IV Secretin bolus injection
Laboratory Analysis
A baseline fasting blood sample is drawn first. Synthetic secretin (2 U/kg body weight) is then administered as a rapid IV bolus injection. Subsequent blood samples are collected at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after secretin injection. Each sample requires approximately 2 mL of blood drawn into a separate SST tube.
Report Delivery
All specimens must be clearly labelled with the exact time of collection and the corresponding time point. Samples must be immediately separated and frozen. Samples must be shipped frozen and must not be thawed during transport. Mild discomfort or flushing may occur after secretin injection, which typically resolves within a few minutes. The IV line is removed after the final specimen collection.
Timeline: Same-day report if samples are received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test is performed to diagnose or rule out Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinoma) and other conditions characterised by excessive gastrin secretion. It helps differentiate between benign hypergastrinaemia (e.g., due to proton pump inhibitor use, atrophic gastritis) and pathological hypergastrinaemia caused by a gastrin-secreting tumour. The test is also useful for monitoring patients with known gastrinomas and evaluating the completeness of surgical resection.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting of at least 12 hours is mandatory before the test
- All SST tubes must be clearly marked with the exact time drawn
- Baseline specimen is drawn before secretin administration
- Secretin is administered IV as a bolus at 2 U/kg body weight
- Post-secretin specimens are drawn at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes
- All containers must be submitted with one completed test request form
- Ship frozen. DO NOT THAW specimens during transport
- Minimum 2 mL serum required per timed specimen (1 mL minimum)
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"The secretin stimulation test remains the gold standard provocation test for diagnosing gastrinomas. A rise in serum gastrin of at least 200 pg/mL or 50% above baseline within 5 to 10 minutes of secretin administration is highly suggestive of gastrinoma. Patients with recurrent or refractory peptic ulcers, unexplained diarrhoea, or suspected Zollinger-Ellison syndrome should be evaluated with this test under specialist supervision."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimens not frozen or thawed during transit
- Specimens without proper time labelling
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
- Samples collected without mandatory overnight fasting
- Missing or incomplete test request form
- Haemolysed or lipemic specimens that compromise assay integrity
Understanding Your Results
Serum gastrin increase is less than 200 pg/mL and less than 30% above baseline at all time points. This is seen in healthy individuals and patients with common duodenal ulcers.
Serum gastrin increases by at least 200 pg/mL or by 50% or more above baseline by 5 or 10 minutes after secretin injection. This is the hallmark finding of a gastrin-producing neuroendocrine tumour.
A rise between 30% and 50% above baseline without reaching the 200 pg/mL threshold may require repeat testing, additional imaging (CT, MRI, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy), or measurement of other tumour markers such as chromogranin A.
Elevated fasting gastrin without a significant post-secretin rise may be seen in patients on PPI therapy, with atrophic gastritis, H. pylori infection, renal insufficiency, or retained gastric antrum. Clinical correlation is essential.
Consult a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist if you experience recurrent peptic ulcers, persistent heartburn unresponsive to treatment, chronic diarrhoea, or if a previous blood test showed elevated fasting gastrin levels. Patients with a family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) who develop GI symptoms should also seek specialist evaluation.
Limitations
- ⚠False positives may occur in patients with retained gastric antrum syndrome
- ⚠Patients with G-cell hyperplasia may show an exaggerated response mimicking gastrinoma
- ⚠The test may have reduced sensitivity in very small or early-stage gastrinomas
- ⚠Results must be correlated with clinical findings and imaging studies for definitive diagnosis
- ⚠Secretin availability may be limited in some regions, potentially affecting test scheduling
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or bruising at the venipuncture site
- ●Transient flushing, warmth, or mild nausea after secretin injection
- ●Rare allergic reaction to secretin (reported in very few cases)
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after blood draws
Interfering Factors
- ●Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can cause elevated baseline gastrin levels; must be discontinued at least 1-2 weeks prior as advised by the physician
- ●H2 receptor blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) may interfere and should be stopped 24-48 hours before the test
- ●Recent food intake can falsely elevate gastrin; overnight fasting of at least 12 hours is mandatory
- ●Vagotomy or antrectomy may alter baseline gastrin response to secretin
- ●Atrophic gastritis or achlorhydria can cause elevated basal gastrin levels
- ●Renal insufficiency may impair gastrin clearance, leading to elevated levels
- ●Delayed or improper specimen handling (thawing during transport) can affect results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test | Fasting Serum Gastrin Test | Gastric pH Measurement | Chromogranin A Test | CT/MRI Abdomen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Gastrin Stimulation by Secretin Test |
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