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records the pH in the upper esophagus (channel one) and the lower esophagus (channel two). It remains in place for 24 hours. Unfortunately,
shorter periods of time do not give accurate measurements of reflux.
The tube is connected to a small box that is worn on the hip. The box has a button pushed whenever symptoms occur. This allows us to
correlate symptoms with the amount of acid present in the esophagus.
In addition to measuring the pH in the esophagus, the device determines when episodes of reflux occur, how long they last and how severe
they are. This information is used to calculate a composite score of the variables, called the DeMeester score. A value greater than 14 is
abnormal and most patients with severe reflux have values in the 200 range.
It is important for patients to stop all anti-reflux medications for one week prior to undergoing a 24-hour pH, unless otherwise directed by a
physician. Once the test is complete, patients can resume medications.
A new catheter-free procedure has been developed. In this procedure, a capsule about the size of a gelcap is attached to the esophagus
during an endoscopy. The patient is then free to engage in normal activities without the discomfort and inconvenience of wearing a catheter.
During the test period, which lasts 24 - 48 hours, the capsule transmits a stream of pH measurements to a small receiver worn by the patient.
This data is collected and analyzed by the medical team.
Within a few days of completing the test, the capsule detaches on its own, travels through the digestive tract, and is painlessly excreted.