pH-metry (Reflux Diagnosis)
diagnostic
pH-metry (Reflux Diagnosis) is available at 5 hospitals across 4 cities in the Voumed network.
5 hospitals operate this technology across 3 countries through the Voumed network; 3 of them hold JCI accreditation.
pH-metry is a diagnostic test that confirms reflux disease by directly measuring how much acid reaches the food pipe (oesophagus) over an extended period. It is especially useful when standard endoscopy looks normal but a person still has reflux-type symptoms, because it captures acid exposure that a single snapshot examination would miss. In a common modern version, a tiny pH capsule is attached to the lower oesophagus during a brief endoscopy under sedation, then records acid levels for about 24 to 48 hours before detaching on its own and passing naturally. The result gives an objective picture of whether, and how often, acid is reaching the oesophagus.
Key takeaways
- pH-metry records the acidity inside the oesophagus across a day or two instead of taking one look, which is what tells a specialist whether acid truly reaches the food pipe and how often.
- It earns its place when endoscopy looks healthy yet symptoms persist, when complaints are unusual, when reflux medication has disappointed, or before reflux surgery to prove that acid really is the culprit.
- After fasting for roughly six to eight hours, a short endoscopy under sedation fixes a small pH capsule to the lower oesophagus, and it wirelessly feeds readings to a portable recorder carried by the patient.
- Eating, moving and sleeping carry on as usual during the recording, a simple diary of meals and symptoms lets the log be matched to real moments, and no tube through the nose has to be worn.
- Placement under sedation is comfortable, some people notice mild awareness or discomfort on swallowing that soon settles, and the capsule drops off the wall by itself after roughly 24 to 48 hours and leaves naturally without a second procedure.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- prolonged acid-measurement test for diagnosing reflux
- Used for
- confirming reflux when endoscopy is normal, and assessing typical and atypical reflux symptoms
- Key benefit
- objective, extended measurement of acid exposure
- Sedation
- brief endoscopic placement performed under sedation; fasting beforehand
- Where it is used
- gastroenterology units in leading accredited centres abroad
What it is
pH-metry is a way of measuring the acidity inside the oesophagus over time, rather than just looking at it once. The oesophagus normally protects itself from stomach acid, and in reflux disease acid travels back up and irritates the lining. A standard endoscopy can show visible damage, but in many people the lining looks normal even though they have troublesome symptoms. pH-metry solves this by recording acid levels continuously across a day or two. In the capsule-based form, a small sensor is fixed to the oesophageal wall during a short endoscopy and wirelessly sends readings to a small recorder the patient carries, building a detailed log of acid exposure linked to meals, posture and symptoms.
How it works
After a fasting period, usually around 6 to 8 hours, a brief endoscopy is performed under sedation and the pH capsule is gently attached to the lower oesophagus. The capsule then measures the acidity around it and transmits the readings to a portable recorder while the person goes about normal daily activities, eats normally and sleeps as usual. Patients are often asked to note their meals and any symptoms, so the readings can be matched to what they were doing. The data is recorded for roughly 24 to 48 hours, after which the capsule naturally detaches from the wall and is passed out of the body. The specialist then analyses the log to see how much acid reached the oesophagus and whether it lines up with the symptoms.
What it is used for and who it helps
pH-metry is mainly used to confirm or rule out acid reflux in an objective way. It is particularly valuable when endoscopy is normal but symptoms persist, when symptoms are unusual or hard to explain, when reflux medication has not helped as expected, or before reflux surgery to be sure that acid is truly the cause. It can help people with classic heartburn and regurgitation as well as those with less typical complaints that may be linked to reflux. Because it provides clear, time-based evidence rather than a single look, it helps the specialist choose the right treatment, whether that means lifestyle changes, medication or, in selected cases, surgery.
Benefits and what to expect
The key benefit is objective evidence: instead of guessing, the specialist gets a real measurement of acid exposure over a day or two, which makes diagnosis and treatment decisions more reliable. The capsule version is generally well tolerated, lets you carry on with normal eating and activities while it records, and removes the need to wear a thin tube through the nose for the duration. The placement is brief and done under sedation, so it is comfortable. Some people feel a mild awareness or discomfort when swallowing for a short time, which usually settles. The capsule detaches and passes on its own, and the care team explains the preparation, including fasting and any medication adjustments, beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Is the test painful?
The capsule is placed during a brief endoscopy under sedation, so the placement itself is comfortable. Afterwards, some people notice a mild awareness or slight discomfort when swallowing for a short period, which usually settles on its own.
Why do I need it if my endoscopy was normal?
A normal endoscopy does not rule out reflux, because the lining can look healthy even when acid is causing symptoms. pH-metry measures acid exposure over a day or two, so it can confirm reflux that a single examination would miss.
Do I need to fast beforehand?
Yes. You are usually asked to fast for around 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Your care team will also advise whether to pause any acid-reducing medication in the days before the test, as this can affect the results.
Can I eat and move around normally during the recording?
Yes. A key advantage is that you carry on with normal meals and daily activities while the capsule records, often keeping a simple diary of food and symptoms so the readings can be matched to them.
What happens to the capsule afterwards?
After it finishes recording over roughly 24 to 48 hours, the small capsule detaches from the oesophageal wall on its own and passes naturally out of the body. No second procedure is needed to remove it.
How will the results help my treatment?
The recorded data shows whether and how often acid is reaching the oesophagus and whether it matches your symptoms. This objective evidence helps the specialist tailor treatment, from lifestyle and medication to, in selected cases, surgery.
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