pH Measurement

This test shows severity of acid reflux in the oesophagus. It is a very safe procedure that is usually performed without any problems.

Preparation

• You will need to fast (no eating or drinking for at least six hours).
• Please register with your identity card at the e-kiosk in the atrium. The Digestive Centre is located on the level, gate F2b. Before you take your seat in the waiting room, please register at the Digestive Centre secretariat.
• Usually, you should not take acid blockers such as Maalox, Gaviscon, Tagamet, Zantag, Losec, Nexiam, Dakar, Zurcale, Pantozole for five days before the test, unless told otherwise.

Test procedure

• After numbing a nostril using the local anaesthetic of Xylocaine, a thin pH tube (single-use) is introduced through the nose and down to a specific depth in the oesophagus. The probe is connected to a recorder in a pouch you can wear.
• The patient may eat normally and does not need to stay in the hospital.
• The patient must keep a diary (start and end of meals, the time he or she goes to bed and wakes up, smoking, pain or sour burping, etcetera).
• The recording will last for at least 24 hours.
• You should register again at the reception desk for the Digestive Centre (gate F2b). The information recorded is interpreted by the computer and is examined along with the information from your diary.

In principle, there are no complications. Very rarely, there might be a little bleeding from the nose.

Maria Middelares Hernia Centre

Abdominal wall hernia

Digestive Centre

Gastroenterology, gastrointestinal diseases

Latest publication date: 15/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Monsaert Els