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pH monitoring is used to diagnose esophageal reflux. A small flexible tube is passed through your nose into your esophagus. The nurse connects the tube to a small recording device that measures the acid present in your esophagus. You will carry this recording device with you for 22-24 hours and record meal periods, sleeping periods, and reflux symptoms. The recorder measures how often acid may move into the esophagus from the stomach and if this relates to your symptoms.
Getting Ready
Review instructions early. You will need to stop medicines prior to your test. You can discuss options for weaning off medicines with your provider to prevent symptoms from worsening during the time you are not taking your medicines.
7 days before the test, stop Nexium® (esomeprazole), Aciphex® (rabeprazole), Prilosec® (omeprazole), Prevacid® (lansoprazole), and Protonix® (pantoprazole).
3 days before the test, stop Voquenza (Vonoprazan), Pepcid® (Famotidine), Tagamet® (cimetidine), Propulsid® (cisapride), Axid® (nizatidine).
12 hours before the test, stop Zelnorm® (tegaserod maleate) and Reglan® (metoclopramide) and no over the counter antacids (Maalox, Gaviscon, tums, Rolaids).
No solid food after midnight the night before your exam. You may continue drinking clear liquids until 4 hours before you arrive.
Diabetic medicines (oral and insulin) may need to be adjusted for the time you’re not eating as normal. Please discuss this with your primary doctor.
Day of Procedure
You do not need a driver.
Stop drinking liquids 4 hours before you arrive. You may take medicine with sips of water up until 2 hours before your appointment.
Your nose will be numbed, and a small tube will be inserted through your nose and into your esophagus.
After the tube is placed, you will be asked to eat and drink normally. If you have noticed any foods that make your symptoms worse, please have them available at home to eat during your test.
The nurse will instruct you on use of the recorder and the diary. Your questions will be answered during your visit.
You will be able to resume most activities after your appointment.
You must handle the data recorder with care. Do not drop or bang it. Do not shower/bathe or get the recorder wet.
Return of Recorder and Probe Removal
At the end of the study period, you will return to the clinic for probe removal and return the recording device as directed. Please bring your diary with you as well.
After the Test
Results from your diary and the pH recorder will be entered into a computer and will require some review. Please allow 1 week for the final report to be available for your doctor to review.
Who to Call
UW Health Digestive Health Center
750 University Row, Madison, WI
(608) 890-5000
(855) 342-9900
UW Health East Madison Hospital
4602 Eastpark Blvd., Madison, WI
(608) 242-2898
(608) 440-6300
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
GI Procedure Clinic
600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI
(608) 263-8097
(800) 323-8942