gastric fluid analysis

gastric fluid analysis, medical procedure used to examine the secretions and other liquid substances occurring in the stomach. By means of a tube passed through the nose and into the stomach, gastric fluid can be obtained from the stomach. The most common reason for this test is to look for blood in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Gastric fluid also can be cultured to test for tuberculosis if an adequate sputum sample cannot be obtained for culture.