Secretin Stimulation

Rationale: This test has been used to help diagnose gastrinoma.¹ The administration of secretin produces a marked increase in gastrin (increase >200 ng/L) in most patients with gastrinoma. Normal subjects and patients with ordinary peptic ulcers, achlorhydria or isolated retained antrum typically exhibit minimal changes in gastrin levels on administration of secretin.

Protocol: Secretin (0.4 μg/kg body weight) is administered intravenously. Samples for serum gastrin should be collected at -10, -1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes.¹

Orderable Tests: Gastrin, Eight Specimens (211268) (minus 10-, minus 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-minute)

Note: Approximately 10% of patients with gastrinoma fail to produce diagnostic elevation in gastrin levels upon secretin administration.¹

References

1. Henderson RA, Rinker AD. Gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal function. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders;1999: 1271-1324.

ChiRhoClin. ChiRhoStim® (Human Secretin for Injection). Available at: http://www.human-secretin.com/html/index.aspx?p32sda=gastrinoma&psdge87d=277&tl97abi=80 Accessed: July 10, 2014.