A pH test measures the degree of acidity or alkalinity in your esophagus. The test period usually lasts 24 to 48hours, and measures acidity in two ways:
1- How often stomach acid flows into the lower esophagus
2- Degree of acidity during the test period
Information from the pH test helps us diagnose GERD and plan your treatment.
What is BRAVO pH?
The Bravo system involves a pH capsule, about the size of a gel cap, that is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus. The Bravo pH Capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits readings via radio telemetry to the Bravo Receiver worn on the patient’s belt or waistband. The patient also records symptoms he or she experiences in a diary by pressing buttons on the receiver. The Bravo pH capsule collects pH measurements for up to 48 hours. After the study, data from the receiver is uploaded to a computer and diary information is entered for analysis to aid in the diagnosis and plan treatment. Normal patient activities such as swallowing, eating and drinking should cause the disposable pH capsule to detach and pass through the digestive tract in 5-7 days on average.
How is the Procedure performed?
When you are ready for your procedure, you will be asked to sit or lie back while the physician places the capsule into the esophagus. After the capsule is in place, suction is applied, drawing a small amount of tissue into the capsule. The capsule is then locked into place. The placement procedure is simple to perform and well tolerated by most patients.
The capsule begins measuring the pH levels of the esophagus immediately, transmitting pH measurements wirelessly to a small receiver worn on your waistband or belt. The receiver houses three symptom buttons, and you will be asked to press the corresponding button when you experience heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain during the procedure. You also will be asked to keep a diary and record periods of sleeping and eating during the procedure.
Upon completion of the procedure,you will return the recording device and diary to your physician, who will upload the data and analyze the results to determine the appropriate diagnosis. The disposable capsule will spontaneously detach and pass naturally through a bowel movement a few days after the test.
In the video below, Dr. Gilbert Simoni explains the minimally invasive Bravo pH procedure as it is used to measure acidity and diagnose reflux related conditions:
Because individual circumstances may vary, this information may not answer all of your questions. Please ask Dr. Simoni about anything you don’t understand. Click below to make an appointment with Dr. Simoni:
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