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Gastrin Unit Converter
Gastrin is a peptide hormone produced by G cells in the stomach’s antrum and duodenum. Its main physiological role is to powerfully stimulate gastric parietal cells to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), aiding in digestion. Gastrin release is stimulated by food, particularly proteins, and is inhibited when stomach acid reaches a low pH.
Clinically, serum gastrin levels are measured to diagnose Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES), a condition characterized by a gastrin-producing tumor (gastrinoma) that leads to excessive acid production and severe, refractory peptic ulcers. High levels are also seen in conditions causing achlorhydria (low stomach acid), such as pernicious anemia and chronic atrophic gastritis. This converter allows switching between the SI molar unit (pmol/L) and the conventional mass unit (pg/mL).
SI Units
RecommendedPicomoles per liter (Standard International).
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Fasting Reference Range: Normal Gastrin levels are typically < 100 pg/mL (< 47.6 pmol/L). The exact threshold is assay-dependent.
Levels > 1000 pg/mL strongly suggest ZES, especially if confirmed by a secretin stimulation test. Measuring Gastrin requires the patient to be fasting for 12 hours and off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H₂ blockers for several days, as these medications directly interfere with the result. The conversion factor relies on MW 2100 g/mol: 1 pg/mL ≈ 0.476 pmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., pg/mL). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like pmol/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. pmol/L is the international standard for peptide hormones.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes. 1 pg/mL is exactly equal to 1 ng/L.
Gastrin levels rise sharply after eating protein. Fasting is necessary to obtain a meaningful basal reading.