The Calcium Carbonate Breath Test, a noninvasive test of stimulated gastric acid secretion: preliminary communication.

Background: Gastric acid secretion is subject to complex control mechanisms, and varies widely between individuals and populations. Its measurement has previously required intubation of the stomach with ingestion of a test meal or injection of a secretion stimulant.

Aim: We describe a novel method of measuring gastric acid secretion noninvasively - the Calcium Carbonate Breath Test.