protocol for the pentagastrin test

Last reviewed 01/2018

The pentagastrin test is correctly performed in the following manner:

• the patient is fasted overnight
• a nasogastric tube is inserted under fluoroscopy so that the tip lies in the antrum of the stomach
• basal acid secretion is determined by continuous aspiration of the gastric fluid for one hour
• pentagastrin is administered (6 mcg/kg i.m.)
• stimulated acid secretion is determined by continuous aspiration of the gastric fluid for one hour
• basal and stimulated samples are analysed separately
• the pH of each is measured
• each aspirate is titrated against sodium hydroxide to determine the acid production