How Do You Test For Stomach Acid?
Testing for stomach acid is used to determine the quantity and acidity of the stomach’s contents. These tests are performed to check whether material from the small intestine is coming back up into the stomach, to evaluate the cause of malabsorption of nutrients from the intestines and to check whether certain medications are working. Work with a doctor to perform these steps. Fast. Do not eat or drink for 4 to 6 hours prior to testing. This fasting leaves only fluid in the stomach. Remove fluid. The fluid left in your stomach is then removed via tube through the esophagus. Analyze. The extracted stomach fluid is then taken to a lab for examination to determine the exact acidity levels. Normal stomach acidity levels have a pH of 1.5 to 3.5 per 20 to 100 mL of fluid, although the values can vary slightly depending on the lab. Determine results. Determine what the levels of acidity in the stomach actually mean. High acidic levels can lead to ulcers, while lower acidic levels may be signs
