If you have diabetes, ask your regular doctor for diet and medication restrictions.
If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor.
If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 612-871-1145 as soon as possible.

PREPARATION
To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully. Failure to accurately and completely prepare for your exam may result in the need for an additional procedure and both procedures will be billed to your insurance.

Medications: 
Several medications alter the pH level of the stomach and/or may affect the contractile pattern of the esophagus.  Your doctor may choose to perform the test with or without stomach (acid-blocking) medications. Your doctor will let you know prior to the test if you should stop your medications or continue your medications.

pH Test Without Stomach Medications

Discontinue your stomach medications as listed in the chart below.
Your doctor would like to study the stomach in its natural state.  The medications listed below will need to be stopped prior to the exam (other medications may be continued).
Your test will need to be rescheduled if these medications are not stopped.

pH Test With Stomach Medications:

If you doctor has instructed you to complete this test while you remain on stomach medications, continue all stomach medications (and any other medications) prior to the test.

6 hours before your exam:
• Do not have anything to eat or drink

The day of your exam:

• Once the lead wire/tube is in place, it will interfere with your ability to change your clothes. For this reason we recommend loose fitting clothing, preferably a button up shirt or blouse.

• You may drive yourself to and from the exam.   

• When you leave for the procedure:
  Bring a list of all of your current medications, including any allergy or over-the-counter medications.
• Bring a photo ID as well as up-to-date insurance information, such as your insurance card and any referral forms that might be required by your payer.

DESCRIPTION OF pH MONITORING - 24 HOUR CATHETER

What is 24 hour pH monitoring test?
This test enables your doctor to determine the number of episodes of gastroesophageal reflux, which means the backward flow of the stomach's contents into the esophagus.  It also determines how long each of these episodes last and what the acid measurement is.  Understanding this is important in recommending the correct treatment for you. 

Why is pH monitoring recommended?
pH monitoring can be helpful to evaluate chest pain, reflux, heartburn, respiratory symptoms, voice hoarseness or vomiting.  

What should I expect during the procedure?
A staff member designated by the physician will place the tube.  A very thin tube will be passed through your nose into your esophagus.  The tube will be secured to your nose with tape.  The external end will be attached to a small recorder.  You can wear the recording device on a belt around your waist or carry it like a shoulder strap.  For 24 hours (your testing time), you will be asked to keep a diary of when you eat, sleep, and any symptoms that you experience.  These symptoms (example: coughing or heartburn) will then be correlated with the information from the tube in your esophagus. 

What happens when the test is finished?
You will return to the office and the tube will be removed. Then, you may return home or go back to work.  A computer will analyze the information from your recording device and your diary.  The results will be given to a doctor who will study the combined data and send a report to you and your primary physician.

Are there any complications?
This test is very safe with very few potential serious complications.  You may feel minor discomfort while the tube is in place and it is normal to feel some "tugging" while eating.