oesophageal pH monitoring
Last reviewed 01/2018
Twenty four hour oesophageal pH monitoring is used to detect gastric acid reflux into the oesophagus and to help establish a link with symptoms.
pH monitoring is most often used when the symptoms are atypical.
A pH probe is placed in the oesophagus and the patient is asked to make a note of symptoms during the period of the test. The test is performed as an outpatient.
A period of acid reflux is defined as an intra-oesophageal pH of less than 4.