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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) tests

Esophageal acid testing for Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Esophageal acid testing is considered a main test for diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The amount of time that the esophagus contains acid is determined by a test called a 24-hour esophageal pH test. (pH is a mathematical way of expressing the amount of acidity.) For this test, a small tube (catheter) is passed through the nose and positioned in the esophagus. On the tip of the catheter is a sensor that senses acid. The other end of the catheter exits from the nose, wraps back over the ear, and travels down to the waist, where it is attached to a recorder. Each time acid refluxes back into the esophagus from the stomach, it stimulates the sensor and the recorder records the episode of reflux. After a 20 to 24 hour period of time, the catheter is removed and the record of reflux from the recorder is analyzed.