Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Center

The purpose of a pH study is to determine how many times acid from your stomach migrates up into the esophagus. This is known as reflux. The test takes approximately 20-24 hours. A tiny catheter the size of a spaghetti noodle is placed in your esophagus and is connected to a monitor box. You will need to return the following day to have the catheter removed. Be aware that you cannot shower during the study.

What You Should Know
It is very important that all patients speak with the endoscopy nurse for medication instructions. If we have not contacted you 8-10 days prior to your procedure, please call (615) 322-1881, Option 2, on Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8am and 5pm.

How to Prepare for This Test
If your physician wants you to have the Bravo study while off acid suppression (reflux) medication, please follow these guidelines:

• 7 days before: Do not take Nexium, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Aciphex, or Protonix.
• 48 hours before: Do not take Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, or Axid.
• 24 hours before: Do not take Carafate or Reglan.
• 8 hours before: Do not eat or drink.

If your physician wants the Bravo study performed while taking your acid suppression (reflux) medication, please continue to take your medication as your physician has prescribed it.

What to Expect
Click here to read more about what to expect in the GI Lab at Vanderbilt.