Bravo pH Testing

Bravo pH Testing measures the pH level (whether something is basic or acidic) of your esophagus. Sometimes stomach acid, food particles or other digestive juices back up into the esophagus, which can increase the acidity level. When this occurs on a regular basis, it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus. This test reveals how often stomach contents reflect into the lower esophagus and how much acid the reflux contains. This test places a pH-sensing capsule into the esophageal tissue to measure your pH levels. A recorder is worn to capture all of the data that is then recorded into a software system to be interpreted by our team.

How to Prepare:

Our office will provide you with detailed instructions prior to this test. However, please remember the following:

  • Seven Days Prior: Don’t take proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), esomeprazole (Nexium®).
  • Two Days (48 hours): Don’t take the H2 blockers ranitidine (Zantac®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), nizatidine (Axid®) or the promotility drug, metoclopramide (Reglan®).
  • Six Hours Prior: Do not take any antiacids
  • Four to six hours before your appointment, do not eat or drink.

What to Expect During the Procedure:

Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to change into a gown. This procedure will be done under moderate sedation so please plan to have someone drive you home. Prior to the procedure, your physician will apply a local anesthetic at the back of the throat. They will then insert an endoscope into your esophagus. The physician will attach the capsule to the tissue on your esophagus to make sure that the capsule is sending signals to the recorder. This procedure typically lasts only a few minutes.

What to Expect After the Procedure:

Your throat may be a bit sore following the procedure. You will be instructed to return to your normal routine and record any symptoms by pressing the appropriate button on the recorder. Following the monitoring period, you will return the receiver and diary. The disposable pH capsule will detach and pass through the digestive track on its own in 7 to 10 days. This information will be analyzed by one of our talented physicians and then communicated back to you. Note: please do not have an MRI exam for 30 days after the capsule has been inserted.