Ambulatory 24-Hour pH Test
What is Ambulatory 24-Hour pH Monitoring?
Ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring is a method for recording the amount and severity of acidic stomach contents backing up into the esophagus ("reflux") and to confirm if GERD is present. The test involves placing a small probe in the esophagus. The probe is connected to a small recording device called a Digitrapper. Using a microprocessor, this unit is able to record the pH levels in your esophagus over a 24-hour period.
Preparing for the Ambulatory 24-Hour pH Test
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you should stop taking acid suppression drugs or antacids at least 48 hours before the test. Acid suppression drugs include, but are not limited to Tagamet, Zantac, Carafate and Prilosec. Antacids include Tums, Mylanta, Maalox and Riopan.
Please check with your doctor to ensure that you are not taking anything that might alter the exam.
During the Test
You will not be sedated for this procedure and you can drive home after placement of the catheter. Placement of the catheter is only mildly uncomfortable and takes just a few minutes.
The catheter is placed through the nose to the back of the throat and positioned in the esophagus. Once the catheter is in place, you will be able to breathe, talk and eat with little or no disruption.
During the test you are encouraged to continue your normal activities. Because the Digitrapper is so small, it can be worn on a belt, leaving you free to go about your normal daily routine. This is important so that your doctor can get a realistic picture of what is taking place in your esophagus. It is important to record your activities during the testing period by pressing the event buttons on the small recording unit you will wear attached to the catheter. There is a button to indicate meal times, a button for when you lie down or sleep and a button to indicate when you experience chest pain. In addition, you will be given a written diary to document particular events or activities specified by your doctor.
Press the Digitrapper's event buttons as instructed by the doctor. You should not remove the battery during the study or get the unit wet (sponge bathe only; no showers) as you could interrupt or terminate the study. Do not operate a microwave oven. If you encounter any difficulties or discomfort during the study, call your doctor immediately.
After a 24-Hour pH Test?
Upon completion of the test, you will return to the Endoscopy department to have the probe removed. The staff will then transfer the recorded data to a computer for analysis. You will have the results of the test soon afterward.
What is Ambulatory 24-Hour pH Monitoring?
Ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring is a method for recording the amount and severity of acidic stomach contents backing up into the esophagus ("reflux") and to confirm if GERD is present. The test involves placing a small probe in the esophagus. The probe is connected to a small recording device called a Digitrapper. Using a microprocessor, this unit is able to record the pH levels in your esophagus over a 24-hour period.
Preparing for the Ambulatory 24-Hour pH Test
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you should stop taking acid suppression drugs or antacids at least 48 hours before the test. Acid suppression drugs include, but are not limited to Tagamet, Zantac, Carafate and Prilosec. Antacids include Tums, Mylanta, Maalox and Riopan.
Please check with your doctor to ensure that you are not taking anything that might alter the exam.
During the Test
You will not be sedated for this procedure and you can drive home after placement of the catheter. Placement of the catheter is only mildly uncomfortable and takes just a few minutes.
The catheter is placed through the nose to the back of the throat and positioned in the esophagus. Once the catheter is in place, you will be able to breathe, talk and eat with little or no disruption.
During the test you are encouraged to continue your normal activities. Because the Digitrapper is so small, it can be worn on a belt, leaving you free to go about your normal daily routine. This is important so that your doctor can get a realistic picture of what is taking place in your esophagus. It is important to record your activities during the testing period by pressing the event buttons on the small recording unit you will wear attached to the catheter. There is a button to indicate meal times, a button for when you lie down or sleep and a button to indicate when you experience chest pain. In addition, you will be given a written diary to document particular events or activities specified by your doctor.
Press the Digitrapper's event buttons as instructed by the doctor. You should not remove the battery during the study or get the unit wet (sponge bathe only; no showers) as you could interrupt or terminate the study. Do not operate a microwave oven. If you encounter any difficulties or discomfort during the study, call your doctor immediately.
After a 24-Hour pH Test?
Upon completion of the test, you will return to the Endoscopy department to have the probe removed. The staff will then transfer the recorded data to a computer for analysis. You will have the results of the test soon afterward.
