Esophageal pH Assessment 48 Hour

If you have  symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux, your physician may want to determine the amount of acid (the  pH) that is getting into your esophagus from your stomach. The Bravo capsule is clipped to the lining of your esophagus using a special device that is passed through your nose or mouth. The Bravo capsule will detach from your esophagus normally within five to 14 days and be passed out of your  body during a bowel movement. The pH information is transmitted by radio waves from the capsule  to a special receiver you will be asked to wear. You wear the receiver in a pouch that has a strap  that goes around your waist or neck.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

• You may have  regular meals on the day before the test.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This also includes chewing gum, mints and hard candies. If your procedure is in the afternoon, you may have  clear liquids until six hours before your scheduled procedure.
• You may take certain necessary  medications with a small sip of water up to two hours before the test. Please check with your doctor regarding any medications you take.
• Notify the nurse or doctor if you are diabetic! Follow your  doctor’s instructions regarding insulin dosage and when to take your pills for diabetes.
• You will be  asked to sign an informed consent and provide information regarding allergies, medicines you are  now taking, existing medical conditions and previous surgeries.

Unless instructed otherwise by your physician:

• You need to stop  Nexium, Protonix, Prilosec, Prevacid or Aciphex 14 days prior to testing.
• You need to  stop Tagamet, Zantac, Axid or Pepcid 72 hours prior to testing.
• You need to stop  Bentyl, Carafate and Reglan 72 hours prior to testing.
• You need to stop antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox and Mylanta) 24 hours prior to testing.

What can I expect during the  procedure?

• The procedure for the placement of the Bravo capsule takes about 30 minutes.
• The  capsule may be placed via your nose or mouth during an upper endoscopy with moderate sedation.
• The test will last for 48 hours during which you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and your symptoms – when you eat, lie down - take medications, and when you have symptoms such as  heart burn, chest pain, coughing, etc. It is very important to be accurate when keeping your diary!
• You will have the name and phone number of the nurse to call should you experience difficulty  during the test.
• Eat the foods you would normally eat per the instruction sheet.
• You may drink  beverages listed on the instruction sheet with meals; however, you may only have water in-between  meals.
• Do not chew gum, eat hard candies, or have mints during the test.
• After 48 hours you will need to return to the Endoscopy department. You will need to remember to bring your diary!

What  happens after the procedure?

• Please follow the dietary instructions as provided by your physician.
• The Bravo capsule is not without risks, which may include perforation, bleeding, infection, sore  throat, and trauma to nose or throat.
• You may not undergo a MRI study within 30 days of the  Bravo procedure.
• Interference with common household electronics may limit the data that is collected. It is recommended that you avoid using computers during the 48 hours of the test.