Comprehensive Gastric Function Panel

This panel provides a thorough, non-invasive assessment of the health of your stomach and upper digestive system. It brings together several markers that together give insight into stomach acid production, the condition of the stomach lining, and whether a common bacterial infection is present. It can be a valuable first step in investigating ongoing stomach symptoms and in assessing the risk of certain stomach conditions, often before deciding whether an endoscopy is needed.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterium that infects the stomach and is a leading cause of ulcers, inflammation, and other stomach problems:

• H. pylori antibody (anti-HP): detects the body's immune response to the bacterium, indicating current or past infection
• H. pylori antigen (HPAG): detects the bacterium itself, indicating a current, active infection

Stomach lining and acid production

These markers reflect the health of the stomach lining and how well it is producing acid:

• Pepsinogen I and II (PG1 and PG2): proteins produced by the stomach lining. Their levels reflect the condition of different regions of the stomach
• Pepsinogen I/II ratio (calculated): a particularly useful measure, as a low ratio can indicate atrophic gastritis, a thinning of the stomach lining that carries a higher risk of further stomach problems
• Gastrin-17 (G-17): a hormone that regulates stomach acid and reflects the function of the lower part of the stomach

Intestinal inflammation

• Calprotectin: a marker of inflammation in the gut, useful for distinguishing inflammatory conditions of the intestines from non-inflammatory ones

An important note on interpretation

These markers are designed to be interpreted together, as the overall pattern is far more informative than any single result. The panel can indicate the likelihood of conditions such as H. pylori infection or atrophic gastritis, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis on its own. Some markers are affected by food and by acid-reducing medications, so following the preparation guidance is important. Any abnormal result should be discussed with your GP or a specialist, who can interpret it in context and advise on any further investigation, such as an endoscopy, if needed.

Why it matters

Stomach problems are common and can range from easily treated infections to conditions that need closer monitoring. This panel offers a comprehensive, non-invasive way to assess your stomach health, helping to identify treatable causes such as H. pylori, flag changes in the stomach lining that may need further attention, and guide whether more invasive investigation is necessary.