Bravo: Patient instructions

What is 48 hour pH monitoring and why is pH monitoring recommended?

We recommend reviewing the Bravo information page available by following this link:  www.mngastro.com and entering Bravo into the search bar. 

 

This test is not for everyone

• This test is not recommended if you have a pacemaker, internal defibrillator or have been diagnosed with esophageal varices.    
• Patients are restricted from having an MRI 30 day after Bravo placement. 
• If you have a known narrowing (stricture) within your esophagus, please call our office to discuss.

 

How do I prepare for the test?

• Diet:  Do not have anything to eat or drink 8 hours before your test.
• Medications: 

Several medications alter the pH level of the stomach and/or may affect the contractile pattern of the esophagus. Your doctor would like to study the stomach in its natural state.  The medications listed below will need to be stopped prior and during the test (other medications may be continued).

• If you take medications that may thin your blood, the medication may need to be stopped before this test.  Aspirin may be continued.  Please call our office for further instructions if not already discussed at the time of scheduling.  

 

Your test will need to be rescheduled if these medications are not stopped.

7 Days Before Test	Two Days Before Test	24 hours Before Test
Stop taking: Aciphex (rabeprazole) Nexium (esompeprazole) Prevacid (lansoprazole) Prilosec (omeproazole) Protonix (pantoprazole) Zegerid (omeprazole/ sodium bicarbonate)	Stop Taking: Reglan (metoclopramide) Pepcid (famotidine) Tagament (cimetidine) Zantac (ranitdine) Axid (nazatidine) Carafate (sucralfate)	Stop any over the counter antacids   Reminder:  Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours before your test.

 

What happens when the test is finished?

After 48 hours, the receiver will automatically turn off.  Information from the receiver is downloaded into a computer to be analyzed along with information from your diary.  The results will be given to a doctor who will study the combined data and send a report to your primary physician.  Results will be available approximately 10-14 working days after you have the returned the receiver

During your pH monitoring test

1.      The purpose of the test is to record what happens in your esophagus during your normal day.  Try to make this a normal day by doing what you would normally do.  If you know how to bring on your symptoms you are encouraged to do so.

2.      Do not use acid suppression medication. 

3.      Do not take antacids (e.g. Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta)

4.      Diet restrictions: Do not chew gum or suck on hard candies.  You may eat what you want.  Please avoid constant snacking or drinking for long periods of time. 

5.      Please keep the receiver within 3 feet of your body.  If it is out of range, it will beep.  If this happens, bring the monitor close to your chest and hold it until it stops beeping.

Diary:  What to keep track of for the next 48 hours

6.      Eating & Drinking: Record the start and stop time of any drinking or eating, except water, in your diary.  Use the military time on your receiver.  Please put a check mark under meals.

7.      When you lie down:  Record the time you lie down and the time you get up in your diary.  Use the military time on your monitor. Please put a check mark under sleep.

If you monitor screen goes blank:  Use the time on your watch. 

Icons to press on receiver

8.      There are 3 icons on your monitor. They are for heartburn, regurgitation & chest pain.  Press the appropriate icon for the symptoms you are experiencing.  You do not need to mark anything on your diary just press the appropriate icons.

9.      If you experience minor chest discomfort you may use Tylenol or other pain relievers.  Notify a Minnesota Gastroenterology Physician if you have severe pain. 

 

If questions please call: 

Bravo Technical Support 1-800-227-3191 for difficulty with receiver.

Minnesota Gastroenterology: 612-871-1145 for questions or pain.

09/19/2008