Measurement of gastric acid secretion

To measure effectively with simple equipment the gastric acid secretion, the Continuous Subcutaneous Histamine Test has been devised. Trials have been conducted on radiologically proven duodenal and gastric ulcer patients, as well as on normal subjects. The reliability of the test has been compared against that of the Augmented Histamine Test. The Continuous Subcutaneous Histamine Test has been found to possess the same range of applicability as the Augmented Histamine Test with the added advantage of requiring only simple equipment. the test can safely be used as a routine test in district hospitals where elaborate equipment is not available.