Gastrin (Special Request Assay)

Gastrin measurement is useful in the investigation of chronic vomiting in dogs where gastrinoma is considered a differential diagnosis. High fasting serum concentrations or an exaggerated response to feeding can indicate Gastrinoma in the dog.

“False” elevation in Gastrin can occur with certain medications including proton-pump inhibitors (e.g. Omeprazole) and in chronic renal failure.

Sample Preparation for the Assay of Serum Gastrin

Fast the animals overnight or for 12 hours or more.

Take the blood into a plain tube with no additive and allow to clot and centrifuge and separate off the serum within 1 hour of collection.

The samples may be stored for up to 8 hours at 2-8°C or below -20°C for up to 2 weeks. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles and keep frozen until assayed.

Samples must be sent to the laboratory frozen and courier is essential.

Lipaemic samples may interfere with the assay.

At least 1.0 mL of Serum is required for the assay.