Description

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition that occurs when the stomach muscles are weakened or impaired, causing food to remain in the stomach for too long. This is also known as delayed gastric emptying. 

Symptoms of gastroparesis include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Belching
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling full after meals 

Gastroparesis can be caused by:

  • Diabetes
  • Stomach or small intestine surgery
  • Bacterial and viral infections

The following test are included in this panel:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

Magnesium

Thyroid Function Blood (TSH)

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid

Vitamin D hydroxy

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

A complete blood count (CBC) is a standard blood test often performed on individuals suspected of having gastroparesis, as it can reveal potential complications like anemia (low red blood cell count) or malnutrition, which can occur due to chronic vomiting associated with the condition; however, a CBC alone cannot diagnose gastroparesis, and further tests like gastric emptying scans are needed for definitive diagnosis.

A "Comprehensive Metabolic Panel," which measures 14 different substances in the blood to assess overall health, particularly focusing on the function of the liver and kidneys, as well as checking for potential electrolyte imbalances, which can be relevant in managing gastroparesis.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures glycemic control over a period of time. It's used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. HbA1c levels are used to determine glycemic control and the required therapy for diabetic patients. Gastroparesis is a condition that causes delayed gastric emptying. It's often associated with diabetes, and can be a complication of autonomic neuropathy. 

Magnesium deficiency can cause gastroparesis, a condition that delays gastric emptying. Magnesium-containing laxatives can also cause hypermagnesemia, which can lead to electrolyte abnormalities.

A thyroid function blood test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, while a gastroparesis TSH blood test is a thyroid function test that may be performed when a patient has symptoms of gastroparesis.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies are common in people with gastroparesis. These deficiencies can lead to anemia and other health problems.

A Vitamin D hydroxy, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D is a test measures the active form of vitamin D in the blood. It can be used to assess vitamin D levels in patients with gastroparesis (GP).