Digestive Disorders/ Gastroenterology
ph Probe Study
A pH probe study is designed to assess acid reflux – a condition in which acid in the stomach rises up into the esophagus that occurs when the valve separating the contents of the stomach from the esophagus does not function properly. Sometimes this study can be performed “with impedance” which means that it will also detect non-acid reflux – the regurgitation of non-acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
The study uses a thin plastic-coated wire (called a probe) that is inserted into your child’s nose and placed in the esophagus where it remains for 18 to 24 hours. During this time the probe, which is attached to a small recording device externally, records refluxed contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
Instructions of how to use this equipment will be thoroughly reviewed with you prior to the testing. After placement of the probe, a chest X-ray is taken of your child’s chest in order to verify the placement of the probe in the esophagus.
Depending on the age of your child and behavioral acceptance of this testing, he or she may be admitted to the Hospital overnight. While the study is ongoing, your child is allowed to eat and drink as he or she normally would. Once the study is completed (usually 24 hours), the probe is removed and the recording events are downloaded and analyzed. It takes approximately one week to completely review the study.
