Gastrotest is a comprehensive test that covers the determination of four indicators (pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin 17b and antibodies to Helicobacter pylori) and is used to diagnose stomach diseases, primarily atrophic gastritis.
GastroTest is a comprehensive test for the diagnosis and screening of gastric diseases. The test results provide information on the structure and function of the gastric mucosa, the location of the pathological process, the nature of the changes, and the risks associated with potential mucosal pathology. During the GastroTest, the concentration of four biomarkers is measured in a blood sample. The biomarkers secreted by cells of the gastric mucosa are pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, and gastrin-17b. Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori are also determined.
The report contains biomarker results, including reference ranges, and a concise written interpretation of the results. The interpretation provides information on the condition of the gastric mucosa, any decrease in acid secretion, and the associated risks.
Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibodies (IgG to H. pylori)
Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of chronic gastritis. This infection typically causes gastritis, which tends to become chronic and lead to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Atrophic gastritis is associated with a risk of developing ulcers and stomach cancer and impaired absorption of certain vitamins, minerals, and medications. Antibody levels above 30 enzyme-linked immunosorbent units (EIU) indicate probable Helicobacter pylori infection.
Pepsinogen I (PGI)
Pepsinogen I concentration in the blood is an indicator of the structure and function of the gastric mucosa. In the presence of gastric mucosal atrophy, pepsinogen I concentration in the blood decreases below 30 μg/L, proportional to the degree of atrophy. In the presence of inflammation of the gastric corpus without atrophic changes (corpus gastritis), pepsinogen I levels often tend to increase.
Pepsinogen II (PGII)
Pepsinogen II concentration in the blood is an indicator of the structure and function of the entire gastric mucosa. Its blood concentration often increases with inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The most common cause is Helicobacter pylori infection, but other factors (painkillers, strong alcohol, hot spices, biliary reflux) can also sometimes trigger gastritis. With gastric mucosal atrophy, pepsinogen II levels are relatively stable or may increase slightly.
Pepsinogen I / Pepsinogen II (PGI / PGII)
This ratio is a sensitive and specific marker of gastric mucosal atrophy. The pepsinogen I/pepsinogen II ratio decreases significantly (< 3) with gastric corpus atrophy.
Basal Gastrin 17 (G-17b)
The fasting concentration of gastrin 17 in the blood is an indirect marker of basal secretion. Gastrin 17 is secreted only by G cells in the antrum of the stomach. It accelerates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the parietal cells of the gastric body. Gastrin 17 levels above 10 pmol/L generally indicate an anacid stomach. As the acidity of the stomach contents increases, blood gastrin 17 levels decrease (pH < 2.5). Gastrin 17 levels also decrease with antral mucosal atrophy, as G cells disappear. Low gastrin 17 levels indicate either antral mucosal atrophy or increased hydrochloric acid secretion.
