Basic acid output

Basic Acid Output (BAO) is a medical test used to measure the amount of acid produced by the stomach. This test is often used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Overview

The Basic Acid Output test measures the amount of acid produced by the stomach in a resting state, also known as the basal state. This is done by collecting gastric juice over a period of time, typically one hour, and measuring the amount of acid it contains. The test is often performed in conjunction with the Maximal Acid Output (MAO) test, which measures the amount of acid produced by the stomach after stimulation by a substance such as pentagastrin or histamine.

Procedure

The procedure for the Basic Acid Output test involves the insertion of a nasogastric tube into the stomach. The patient is then asked to rest for a period of time, typically one hour, during which the gastric juice is collected. The collected juice is then analyzed for its acid content.

Interpretation

The results of the Basic Acid Output test are usually expressed in milliequivalents per hour (mEq/hr). Normal values vary, but are typically in the range of 0-5 mEq/hr. Values above this range may indicate a condition such as peptic ulcer disease or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

See also

• Gastric acid
• Gastroenterology
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Basic acid output for any updates.

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