Overview
The stomach acid test is a test to evaluate the capacity of the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid. The test is performed by aspirating fluid through a tube that is inserted down the esophagus to the stomach. This test may be used to test for the cause of ulcers, to detect duodenal regurgitation, to evaluate the cause of malabsorption, to assess the adequacy of anti-ulcer medications, and to evaluate secretion of gastrin.
Review Date 10/30/2020
Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.