Pepsinogen II Blood Test (PGII)

Pepsinogen II (PGII) is a proenzyme produced primarily by the gastric chief cells and, to a lesser extent, by the pyloric and Brunner's glands. Measuring PGII in a simple blood sample provides a direct biochemical window into the health and mass of the gastric mucosa. This test is suited to patients presenting with persistent dyspepsia, those with a family history of gastric cancer, individuals undergoing evaluation for chronic atrophic gastritis, and anyone being assessed for Helicobacter pylori-related gastric changes.

The test is performed using a quantitative immunoassay, most commonly an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), which delivers a precise serum concentration of PGII. Because PGII is not exclusively expressed in the stomach, it is often interpreted alongside Pepsinogen I (PGI) and the PGI:PGII ratio to build a fuller picture of gastric mucosal status.

Biomarkers Included

Gastric Mucosal Markers
- Pepsinogen II (PGII)

Why it matters
PGII is a sensitive indicator of gastric mucosal inflammation and turnover. Elevated levels can reflect active gastritis, H. pylori infection, or increased mucosal proliferation, while changes in the PGI:PGII ratio are used to identify chronic atrophic gastritis, a recognised precursor to gastric cancer. By measuring PGII, clinicians gain an objective, non-invasive tool to stratify risk, guide decisions on endoscopy, and monitor response to treatment, all from a single blood sample.

Gastric Mucosal Markers
- Pepsinogen II (PGII)

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.