Blood test for gastropanel

Gastropanel refers to a comprehensive examination and is intended for the diagnosis of pathological conditions from the gastrointestinal tract. In simple words, this is an analysis of indicators in the blood, providing the necessary information that is difficult to obtain in another way.

This blood test detects: pepsinogen 1, pepsinogen 2, Helicobacter pylori, and gastrin 17. The test provides physicians with laboratory data to inform their clinical decision and helps identify patients who require further gastric examinations.

Why is a blood test done on a gastropanel?

Often, all problems with the stomach and duodenum are associated with the pathogenic microorganism Helicobacter pylori. It is this bacterium that is associated with such a common disease as gastritis, since these microorganisms affect the stomach and are localized in the mucous membrane. Very often, the pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter is a factor in the development of a chronic form of gastritis, and recently the number of cases of infection has significantly increased. The reason for this is the modern living conditions of people, close contacts, eating out. There are cases when infection occurs in childhood, and is asymptomatic for many years.

Helicobacter pylori are microbes that are not able to penetrate deep into the tissues, but at the same time constantly provoke inflammation of the mucous membrane and significantly increase the likelihood of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Without timely treatment, the disease can go into a chronic stage and contribute to atrophy and a decrease in the functional activity of the mucous membrane. Following this, atrophic gastritis may begin, in which the acidity of the stomach decreases.

To date, therapeutic schemes for successful treatment of such infections have been approved. However, if they caused atrophy of the mucous membranes, then it is almost impossible to return them to their normal state. Recall that the atrophic form of gastritis often leads to the development cancer process, as well as a violation of the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. The disease can result in anemia and a decrease in the functional activity of the whole organism.

Why is a blood test prescribed for a gastropanel?

The gastropanel includes the following main indicators. When diagnosing antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in a patient, it can be argued that the body is infected with this pathogen. The next indicator of the gastropanel, pepsinogen 1, is an inactive proform of the pepsin enzyme, which, under the action of hydrochloric acid, turns into pepsin, which is involved in the breakdown of protein foods. It is produced mainly by the cells of the fundus and body of the stomach. If its level is significantly lower than normal, then doctors diagnose atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Pepsinogen II is an inactive proform of the enzyme pepsin, which is also converted to pepsin by the action of hydrochloric acid. Pepsinogen II is produced by cells throughout the stomach and duodenum. Determination of the level of pepsinogen II is used to diagnose and evaluate Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, as well as other diseases. The ratio of pepsinogen I/pepsinogen II is used to assess the severity of atrophic gastritis in the body of the stomach and pangastritis. And the last indicator is gastrin 17 – a hormone secreted by the endocrine cells of the antrum of the stomach, which is responsible for the regulation of hydrochloric acid, the maturation and motility of cells in the gastric mucosa. Its values ​​directly depend on the acidity of the stomach, if the acidity decreases, then gastrin 17 increases, and vice versa.

Experts prescribe an analysis in order to:

• to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the body;
• to diagnose an atrophic form of gastritis;
• assess the condition of the gastric mucosa;
• identify patients in need of gastroscopy;
• diagnose peptic ulcer.

Also, this analysis serves to make informed recommendations for further examinations, such as biopsy or gastroscopy.

What risks does the gastropanel reveal?

This test is for patients who:

• constant pain and discomfort in the epigastric region;
• close relatives faced similar pathological processes;
• there are serious contraindications to endoscopic examination;
• diagnosed with a lack of vitamin B12, pathological processes affecting the central nervous system, as well as high levels of homocysteine;
• pathologies from the cardiovascular system (stroke, atherosclerosis, heart attack, etc.).

Also, for the purpose of prevention, a doctor can prescribe a blood test for a gastropanel for patients over 45 years of age and for people who are active smokers. It is strictly forbidden to take such tests to patients with an allergic reaction to soy and dairy products, eggs and chocolate. The fact is that it is from these products that doctors make a protein cocktail in order to stimulate all the studied indicators.

Preparing and conducting analysis

Preparation for a blood test takes at least 7 days. It is in a week that the patient should gradually prepare for the procedure. The patient must exclude the use of drugs that can somehow affect the secretion of the stomach. The list of such medicines includes all drugs ending in “-prazol”, as well as famotidine and ranitidine. If you are in doubt about taking any medication, it is best to consult your doctor.

24 hours before the test, it is forbidden to take any medications, especially for drugs used to relieve heartburn. You should also refrain from alkaline water, soda and alcoholic beverages.

Directly on the day of blood donation for analysis of the gastropanel, it is strictly forbidden to eat, drink and smoke. It is advisable to donate blood within one to two hours after waking up.

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. After that, food will be brought to you and you will be given a special protein shake, which includes soy and other protein products. This is necessary to stimulate the production of gastrin 17. After such a breakfast, after 20 minutes, you need to donate blood again.

Conclusions will be drawn by comparing the first blood sampling with the second, and the test results will be ready in a few days, depending on how busy the laboratory is.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in carrying out this analysis. But despite its simplicity, a blood test for a gastropanel can reveal serious pathological processes that may be asymptomatic in the human body.

Sources of