48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH Test
What is a 48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH Test?
Your doctor has recommended that you have an esophageal pH study. This test has been recommended to determine if you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and if so, how severe the GERD is. Reflux is a condition in which stomach acid refluxes or moves back up into the esophagus. This test is to determine how often stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, how long the acid stays in the esophagus, and how much reflux occurs at nighttime.
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What can expect before this procedure?
You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. During this procedure, you will be sedated. Therefore, you will need to have someone to drive you home.
7 Days before the exam: Unless your referring physician requests otherwise, you should stop taking medications to treat heartburn or ulcers. Such medications include:
- Omeprazole (Priolsec, Zegerid)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
- Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
5 days prior to the exam: Stop taking the following H-2 blockers:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
You may take over the counter antacids (like Tums or Rolaids) if needed for your GERD symptoms while you are off your prescription medications.
What can I expect during this procedure?
During the Bravo esophageal pH test, a small capsule, approximately the size of a gel cap, is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus. This is usually done in association with the upper endoscopy. The capsule measures pH (acid) levels in the esophagus and then transmits readings via a radio signal to a receiver that is worn on your belt or waistband. The receiver has several buttons that you will press to record symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn. The nurse will tell you which symptoms you will be asked to record. You will also be asked to keep a diary to record certain events, such as eating and drinking, when you lay down, and when you get back up. This will be explained in greater detail by the nurse at the time of the procedure.
What can I expect after this procedure?
After 48 hours, you will be asked to come back to the clinic for a return appointment. You will return the monitor at this time. The information on the receiver and diary will be downloaded and recorded into a computer, and the results will be analyzed. Your physician will send the findings to your primary care physician, who will then discuss any findings with you. If you have any questions or problems either before or after the procedure, please feel free to contact a nurse clinician.
Related websites and resources:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
