Become a Patient

pH Probe Testing

What is a pH probe study?
How do you get ready for the test?
What is done during the test?
How long will the test take?
How do you get to your test?

What is a pH probe study?

Your doctor has suggested you/your child have a pH probe study as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health. A pH probe study measures the amount of gastroesophageal reflux you/your child has. Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward flow or reflux of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that takes food from your mouth into your stomach. Everyone has some reflux. A pH probe will help identify if you have increased amounts of reflux and if it is causing you to have trouble breathing or other symptoms.

How do you get ready for the test?

  • Adults - Do not eat food or drink liquids for at least 2 hours before the test.
  • Children - Do not eat food or drink liquids for at least 4 hours before the test.
  • One of the next 2 boxes will be checked. If not, please call us so you know what to do.
    • DO TAKE your reflux/antacid medicines as your doctor has prescribed.
    • DO NOT TAKE  your reflux/antacid medicines. Check with your/your child's doctor before you stop the medicine.

Stop these medicines at least 3 days before your appointment:

  • Zantac® (Ranitidine)
  • Tagamet® (Cimetidine)
  • Axid® (Nizatidine)
  • Pepcid® (Famotidine)
  • Reglan® (Metoclopramide)

Stop these medicines at least 7 days before your appointment:

  • Prilosec® (Omeprazole)
  • Prevacid® (Lansoprazole)
  • Nexium® (esonephazole)
  • Protonix®, Pantoloc® (pantoprazole)
  • Aciphex® (rabeprazole)

Continue to take all your other medicine as you usually do. Parents of children having a pH probe: Bring all your routine medicine with you also.

  • Wear a shirt or blouse with buttons down the front. You may need to change into a patient gown during the test.
  • Bring your peak flow meter with you, if you have one.
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What is done during the test?

Right before the pH probe, medicine will be squirted in you/your child's nose. This medicine makes the nose numb. When the nose is numb, a small tube will be placed through the nose into the esophagus. The test may be slightly uncomfortable when the tube is placed. The nurse will explain what is being done during the test. Once the pH probe is placed tape will be placed around the tube and on the nose to keep the probe in place. Placement of the probe in the esophagus will be checked. This may require a chest x-ray.

The pH probe is attached to a recording box. The recording box has buttons that you will push during the study. This will be placed in a carrying case with a belt, shoulder strap or backpack. You/your child will wear this for the entire study.

You will also be given a diary. You will keep track of symptoms, when you/your child eats, body position (lying down, sitting or standing) and peak flow measures using the buttons on the recording box and the diary. The nurse will show you how to us the recording box and diary to monitor how you are doing during the study.

It is important that you/your child maintains all regular activities as much as possible during the test in order to obtain an accurate assessment of reflux through a "normal" day. This includes maintaining typical meals, activities, exercise, sleep, etc., while the pH probe is in place. If you have any questions, please ask.

How long will the test take?

Adults - The pH probe study will take at least 20 hours to complete. Once the pH probe is in place you will be able to leave the Adult Procedure Unit. You will return the next day to have the pH probe removed. The nurse will let you know the best time to return and where to come to have the ph probe taken out.

Children - The pH probe study will take 24 hours to complete. Your child will stay at National Jewish Health during the pH probe. You may stay at National Jewish Health with your child during the study.

How do you get to your test?

Adults - On the day of your scheduled test, check in at the Adult Procedure Unit. If you have questions before or during your test please call 303-398-1958 . Also, if you need to cancel the appointment or change the time please call.

Children - On the day of your scheduled test, check in at the Pediatric Care Unit. If you have questions before or during your test please call 303-398-1239. Also, if you need to cancel the appointment or change the time please call.

Get directions to  and see a campus map of National Jewish Health .

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This information has been approved by Gary Cott, MD (November 2006).

Note: This information is provided to you as an educational service of National Jewish Health. It is not meant to be a substitute for consulting with your own physician.

© Copyright 2008 National Jewish Health