Wireless pH Testing
Overview
Wireless pH Testing
Wireless or Bravo ® pH testing lets your doctor evaluate how often acid is moving from your stomach up to your esophagus over a period of time while you continue your normal activities. It is used for monitoring and assessing gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The test can be done over a 48 hour or 96 hour period of time.
Prep
How to Prepare for Wireless pH Testing
- Six hours before the monitoring period do not take antacids.
- Four to 6 hours before testing don’t eat or drink.
- Specific instructions will be provided to you by your provider depending on the duration of the exam and whether you will be asked to stop or continue your anti-acid medications.
What to Expect
What to Expect During Wireless pH Testing
During Wireless pH Testing
During Wireless pH Testing
- Your doctor performs an endoscopy to attach a small wireless pH capsule to the lower lining wall of your esophagus. The capsule is about the size of a pencil eraser.
- The capsule transmits information about acid exposure to a BravoÒ pH data recorder worn on your belt or waistband.
- You will press record when you have symptoms of GERD such as heartburn.
- You’ll maintain a diary to record when you start and stop eating and drinking, when you lie down and when you get back up.
After Wireless pH Testing
After Wireless pH Testing
- You can then follow your usual routine.
- Eat your regular meals at the usual times.
- Continue to take your medications. You will receive specific instructions on how to take your acid reflux medications during the test.
- Record your symptoms as they occur.
- Return the receiver and diary when the monitoring period is over.
- The pH capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus, usually within several days, and passes through the digestive tract and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement.
- You must have a friend of family member drive you home afterwards. You may not drive or after the procedure.
- You should not have MRI imaging for 30 days after the Bravo capsule is attached to your esophagus.
No MRI exam (magnetic resonance imaging) should be performed for 30 days following capsule insertion.
Specialists
