What is a pH probe?

• This test has been ordered for you by your doctor in order to determine if you have reflux of acid and non-acid material into your esophagus (food pipe) from your stomach.  A small amount of reflux every day is a normal occurrence.  This test will determine if you have pathologic or abnormal amounts of acid or non-acid reflux.  You may have a light breakfast before arriving.  You will be asked to continue taking or stop your acid meds five days before the test by your doctor.  Please make sure this has been decided before the day of the test.

• The test consists of being sprayed with a numbing medication in the nose and throat (unless you are allergic to medicines in the cetacaine/pontocaine family).  A lubricated, thin (spaghetti-like) tube is placed in the nose and then down the back of the throat.  You will be asked to bend your head forward and swallow, thus passing the tube into the esophagus. 

• The tube will be attached to a pocket-book sized computer; every second your pH is recorded in two places, near the stomach and near the throat.

 Instructions for pH probe patients 

• You are being booked for an hour-long procedure, so please expect to be here that long. 

• After the pH probe is inserted, you will be asked to eat a varied diet of what is normal for you during a typical week.  You should expect to eat slower and take more time chewing your food than usual, due to the presence of the tube.  However, you are capable of eating normal solids, so please do so or the test will be inaccurate.  Avoid chewing hard candy, caramels and peanut butter. 

• You will return at 8:00 AM the next day to remove the tube. 

• If you cannot make your appointment, please give our office at least 48 hours notice (2 business days), otherwise, a charge of $50.00 will be billed to you.

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