24 Hour PH Probe

24 Hour PH Probe

The purpose of this test is to monitor, over a 24-hour period, the amount of acid that refluxes into the esophagus.

The test is performed for patients with heartburn, hoarseness, chronic cough, atypical chest pain, and adult onset asthma.

What to Expect

During a 24-hour pH procedure, you will wear a monitor. The doctor will place a thin, flexible tube or catheter through your nose and into the esophagus. The tip of the catheter is sensitive to acids and it will measure the flow of liquid from the stomach to the esophagus. It will be left in for 24 hours. You can go about your normal activities, but you should not try to shower or bathe while wearing the catheter and monitor. The monitor will have several buttons on it. Nurses will instruct you on which events prompt the pushing of the different buttons.

DOWNLOAD 24 HOUR PH PROBE PREP INSTRUCTIONS

What preparation is required?

You will be instructed to stop eating four to six hours before the probe is placed. The doctor will also give you specific directions pertaining to any medications you are taking.

What about my current medications?

The doctor will go through the specifics of how to handle your medicine before and during the 24-hour pH probe. Sometimes this test is performed while taking your medications and sometimes you will be asked to stop them. Six hours before the procedure begins, do not take any type of antacids. Two days before your scheduled procedure, you may be asked to stop taking H2 blockers like Zantac, Tagamet, or Pepcid. Seven days prior to your appointment, you may be asked to stop taking proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium.

What are the possible complications of the 24-hour pH probe?

The 24-hour pH probe is a very safe procedure. You may feel a little discomfort in the nose and throat. It should be very mild and temporary. Occasionally, a nosebleed could occur as a result of the probe, but it is unlikely. It is extremely rare, but the probe could cause a tear in the wall of a lung, the throat, or the esophagus.

What happens after a 24-hour pH probe?

Your throat may be sore for a couple of days after the probe. Throat lozenges can provide some relief or sucking on hard candy can help. After the probe is removed, you can return to your normal diet and medications.

What if the 24-hour pH probe shows something abnormal?

In most cases, once the probe is removed you will have another appointment scheduled where the doctor will give you the results of the pH test. If the test reveals your pH is normal, then the doctor may consider other types of testing. If there is too much acid in the esophagus, it can mean the presence of other conditions. Your doctor will then discuss what the results mean and what types of further testing or treatment options should be considered.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Weber for almost a decade. My husband for more than & it was he who recommended Dr. Weber. He’s knowledgeable & well experienced in his field. Plus he’s an all around kind & nice guy. And you’d like how the office & tech staff are trained to run the operation of this practice. Efficient, patient and helpful! I’d feel very comfortable recommending this practice.

Vicki M.

I had a great time. Everyone was very friendly and professional. One nurse said I had nice eyes, which really helped my self esteem. Dr. Willie was fantastic. His concern about having magenta ink for the printer really shows what a caring man he is. The pictures turned out great. I framed them and hung them up on my wall at home. But, seriously the experience was pleasant. Thank you to everyone involved.

Terry M.

Lord knows having a colonoscopy is zero fun. The prep nearly did me in. But after arriving at suite 270 every single person was pleasant and efficient. The attention to cleanliness in the office is very apparent and appreciated. Every employee introduced themselves by name, apologized for an IV that took two tries and made sure I was as comfortable as can be before I was ready to leave. However, I’m going to enjoy every minute of the five years before I need to return!

Marie C.

I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

Debbie A.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Freeha Khan MD

Partha S. Nandi

Leonard G. Quallich III MD

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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