Catheter-Based pH & Impedance Testing

This test uses a very thin, flexible catheter placed through your nose into your esophagus for 24 hours. It measures both acid and non-acid reflux episodes, the height they reach in your esophagus, and correlates them with your symptoms. It's the most comprehensive reflux test available and the gold standard for diagnosing GERD.

pH-impedance testing detects all types of reflux — acid, weakly acid, and non-acid — making it more comprehensive than pH-only testing. It's especially important for patients with persistent symptoms on medication, atypical reflux symptoms, and before considering anti-reflux surgery.

1. A thin catheter is passed through your nose and positioned in the esophagus — numbing gel and spray are used
2. The catheter is taped to your nose and connected to a small portable recorder
3. You wear the catheter for a full 24 hours while going about your normal activities
4. You press buttons to log meals, lying down, and symptom episodes
5. After 24 hours, you return to the clinic and the catheter is gently removed in seconds

Placement: 10–15 min | Monitoring: 24 hours

• ✓Fasting for 6 hours before placement
• ✓Stop acid-reducing medications 7 days before (as instructed)
• ✓Stop antacids 24 hours before

• •Insertion takes about 10–15 minutes — brief discomfort as the catheter passes through the nose
• •Most patients adapt to the catheter within an hour
• •You can eat, drink, and sleep normally — just avoid very hot or acidic foods
• •The catheter is barely visible once taped in place