What can I expect from a Gastric Acid Study?

Your doctor has requested a test examining the acid-secreting capability of your stomach. The following directions must be followed to ensure a successful study. This test requires the passage of a small plastic tube into your stomach. This tube will not interfere with your breathing. There are three one-hour segments to this study. In the first segment, fluid will be drawn from the stomach for one hour. In the second segment, you will be asked to chew a test meal without swallowing the food and then fluid will be drawn from the stomach. In the third segment, a drug will be given to stimulate the acid secretion. If you are allergic to pork, please let us know immediately. Then fluid will be drawn from your stomach for an additional hour.

How do I prepare for the test?

The test will take approximately three hours to perform. To reduce the risk of complications, the stomach must be empty, so please have nothing to eat or drink after 10 p.m. the night before the test. You should not smoke and comfortable clothing should be worn.

Can I take any medication before the test?

The day of the test, do not take any medication, including over-the-counter medication unless your physician or nurse has advise you otherwise. If you take Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, or any antacids, you should stop medication for 24 hours before the test. If you take Prilosec, you should stop for 48 hours before the test. The test will be performed in the Gastroenterology Physiology and Manometry Laboratory in the Medical Procedures Unit located in University Hospital on Level 2B353.
If you are unable to keep the appointment, please call the GI Physiology Laboratory at (734) 936-9250.

U-M Health System Related Sites:
Department of Internal Medicine Division of Gastroenterology

Other Related Web Sites:
National Institute of Digestive Diseases
Your Digestive System and How it Works