Digitrapper‐pH test measures the severity of reflux from the stomach into the esophagus (food pipe) and helps us learn if your child’s symptoms are caused by reflex.
Preparing Your Child
- Avoid taking acid blocking medications (antacids) or medications that affect stomach motility for five days before the test unless told otherwise. If you are unsure if a medication is okay to take, ask your doctor.
- No food for 8 hours before the test.
- No drinks for 6 hours before the test.
- Your child may take regularly scheduled medications with a small sip of water.
Description of Test
- The doctor will insert a wire with sensors (digitrapper‐pH probe) into your child’s nose going into the esophagus. The wire will be taped to your child’s cheek.
- The procedure can happen at the bedside or in the operating room under anesthesia.
- An x‐ray will confirm the correct positioning of the digitrapper‐pH probe or help us make small adjustments.
- The study will be done for at least 23 hours after placement and confirmation of position. During the Test
- Write your child’s symptoms (cough, irritability, arching, emesis, throat clearing, and heartburn) in the diary and push the symptom button on the recording device. This is VERY IMPORTANT for the correct interpretation of the study.
- Meal times (start and end) and lying down (start and end) should be recorded in the diary and on the device by pushing the button
- Avoid acidic foods, carbonated beverages, very hot or cold drinks, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy during the test.
- This test does not cause pain, although it may be uncomfortable for your child.
After the Test
- You can remove the tape from the cheek at home and pull the probe out of your child’s nose or you may return to the pre‐op and have a nurse remove the probe.
- Return the recorder, probe and diary to CHOC as instructed. The information collected will be downloaded and reviewed by a doctor.
- Your doctor will talk to you about the results at your next visit.
