What Is a Bravo pH Monitoring System?

The Bravo pH monitoring system is a technology which is available for the doctor to help diagnose GERD and to aid in treatment planning. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a type of heartburn (acid reflux) diagnosed based on its severity and frequency.

The Bravo pH monitoring system involves temporarily attaching a small capsule to the esophagus, wearing a receiver on your belt, and keeping a record of your symptoms and activities for 48 hours. The capsule measures the amount of acid in your esophagus and then transmits the information to the receiver. It is important that you keep the receiver with you at all times during the gastroenterology test.

How will I receive the Bravo pH monitoring system?

An EGD is performed to temporarily place the capsule into the esophagus. The capsule falls off and passes through the digestive system in 7- 10 days following its placement.

When will I know the results?

Your physician will review the results of the data collected on the receiver and from your diary. The physician will use this information to help make a diagnosis.

How will I discharge the pH capsule?

  1. Do not have an MRI for 30 days following placement of the pH capsule. Keep the capsule identification card from your patient booklet in your wallet. Do not have other diagnostic tests (CT scan, nuclear medicine tests, X-rays) during the 48 hours the pH test is in progress.
  2. Continue your normal diet and activities during the pH study.
  3. Your study is being done while you are off of your reflux and antiulcer medication. Also, do not take any over-the-counter medications for heartburn or reflux.
  4. Record your symptoms by pressing the buttons on the receiver. A green light on the top of the receiver will light up, and a beep will be heard when a symptom button is pressed.
  5. Record in your diary the start and stop times of meals or anytime you have something to eat. Use the time on the top of the receiver.

a. Everything but water is considered a meal.
b. Hard candy and gum are considered a meal.

  1. Record in your diary start and stop times when you are lying down. If you sleep in a recliner, note in your diary that you were in a recliner. Keep the receiver on your person while you are sleeping. Use the time on the top of the receiver.
  2. If you smoke, please record in your diary when you are smoking. Use the time on the top of the receiver.
  3. Keep your receiver clipped to your clothing. A light will blink, an alarm will beep, and the receiver will flash C1 or P1 if you are too far away from your receiver. Move the receiver closer to you until the alarm stops and the C1 or P1 is no longer visible on the receiver. If C1 or P1 remains, you may be getting interference from another electrical device, and you need to move away from the area. Keeping the receiver close to you will prevent the battery from having to be changed before the study is over.
  4. You may shower or take a bath. Place your receiver in a zip lock plastic bag and place it outside the shower or tub. Remember to clip it to your clothing as soon as you get out of the shower or bath. Do not get the receiver wet.
  5. The receiver will automatically shut off after 48 hours.
  6. The capsule will fall off after 7-10 days, pass naturally through the GI tract, be expelled in a bowel movement, and flushed down the toilet.
  7. PLEASE RETURN THE RECEIVER, DIARY AND SPARE BATTERY TO THE ENDOSCOPY DEPT. WHEN YOUR TEST IS COMPLETE OR NO LATER THAN 8am THE FOLLOWING MORNING.

How do I replace the main battery if my receiver dies during the study?

  1. Slide open the door to the battery compartment.
  2. Remove the old AA/LR6 lithium battery and replace it with a new lithium battery. NOTE: Refer to the graphic displayed in the battery compartment for information on the battery orientation.
  3. Use a pen or paperclip on the bottom of the receiver to open the cover and to access the controller interface.
  4. Press and hold the power button (2-3 seconds). After an introduction screen, the recording screen appears. Ensure the * on the left and right of RECORDING are blinking.
  5. Close the cover and continue the pH study.
Download pH Capsule Discharge Instructions

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