Gastric Function Tests (Physiology - MBBS 1st
Year)
Definition:
Gastric function tests are performed to study the secretory and motor functions of the stomach.
They help in diagnosing conditions like hypochlorhydria, achlorhydria, hyperchlorhydria, and gastric
ulcers.
1. Fractional Test Meal (FTM):
- Standard meal given, gastric contents aspirated every 15 min.
- Acid output curve studied.
- Detects free HCl, mucus, blood, or bile.
2. Basal Gastric Secretion (BGS):
- Gastric contents aspirated in fasting state.
- Basal acid output (BAO) measured.
- Normal: 1–5 mEq HCl/hour.
3. Histamine Test Meal (HTM) / Augmented Histamine Test:
- Histamine stimulates parietal cells strongly.
- Measures maximal acid output (MAO).
- Differentiates pernicious anemia (no response) vs duodenal ulcer (high response).
4. Insulin Test (Hollander Test):
- Insulin → hypoglycemia → vagus stimulation → gastric secretion.
- Tests vagal integrity after vagotomy.
5. Tubeless Gastric Analysis:
- Oral indicator (Congo red resin).
- If free HCl present → indicator released in urine.
- Simple but less accurate.
6. Gastric Motility Tests:
- Radiological (barium meal X-ray) or manometric methods.
- Evaluate gastric emptying time, tone, and peristalsis.
Clinical Significance:
- Achlorhydria → chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia.
- Hyperchlorhydria → duodenal ulcer.
- Absent response to histamine → carcinoma stomach or pernicious anemia.
Year)
Definition:
Gastric function tests are performed to study the secretory and motor functions of the stomach.
They help in diagnosing conditions like hypochlorhydria, achlorhydria, hyperchlorhydria, and gastric
ulcers.
1. Fractional Test Meal (FTM):
- Standard meal given, gastric contents aspirated every 15 min.
- Acid output curve studied.
- Detects free HCl, mucus, blood, or bile.
2. Basal Gastric Secretion (BGS):
- Gastric contents aspirated in fasting state.
- Basal acid output (BAO) measured.
- Normal: 1–5 mEq HCl/hour.
3. Histamine Test Meal (HTM) / Augmented Histamine Test:
- Histamine stimulates parietal cells strongly.
- Measures maximal acid output (MAO).
- Differentiates pernicious anemia (no response) vs duodenal ulcer (high response).
4. Insulin Test (Hollander Test):
- Insulin → hypoglycemia → vagus stimulation → gastric secretion.
- Tests vagal integrity after vagotomy.
5. Tubeless Gastric Analysis:
- Oral indicator (Congo red resin).
- If free HCl present → indicator released in urine.
- Simple but less accurate.
6. Gastric Motility Tests:
- Radiological (barium meal X-ray) or manometric methods.
- Evaluate gastric emptying time, tone, and peristalsis.
Clinical Significance:
- Achlorhydria → chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia.
- Hyperchlorhydria → duodenal ulcer.
- Absent response to histamine → carcinoma stomach or pernicious anemia.
