A test to check the secretion of gastric juices, no longer much used.
A standard meal given to stimulate secretion of digestive juices, which can then be withdrawn by tube and measured as a test of digestive function. A fractional test meal was a gruel preparation to stimulate gastric secretion, whose acid content was measured. This has been replaced by tests using histamine or pentogastrin as secretory stimulants. The Lundh test meal is a meal of oil and protein to stimulate pancreatic secretion, which is withdrawn from the duodenum and its trypsin content measured as a lest of pancreatic function.
A meal usually small and of definite quality and composition, given to aid in chemical analysis of the stomach contents or radiographical examination of the stomach.
A technique used to quantify stomach acid production. Following an overnight fasting period, a nasogastric tube is inserted into the stomach. A sample of gastric fluid is then drawn up through the tube. A dose of histamine or commonly pentagastrin (a synthetic form of the hormone gastrin) is administered. Subsequent samples of stomach fluid are collected periodically for up to two hours and subsequently examined to determine their hydrochloric acid content.
This test is employed to diagnose individuals suspected of having Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used to verify the lack of stomach acid in individuals diagnosed with pernicious anemia.