|
|
|
Acid Perfusion (Bernstein Test)
Acid Perfusion (Bernstein Test)
MDAdvice.com
Home > Health Library > Medical Tests >
|
Acid Perfusion (Bernstein Test)
Category: Gastrointestinal system.
Subcategory: Esophageal, gastric and peritoneal contents.
Material studied: Saline and acid solutions injected through a tube passed through the nose into the esophagus.
Estimated cost of test: $200.00. If included with esophageal motility, it is about $175.00.
Patient time for test: 1 hour.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? No.
Note: This test helps determine the cause of chest pain.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Distinguishes between chest pains caused by esophageal inflammation and chest pains caused by heart disorders.
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office.
Who performs test?
Lab technician, nurse, doctor.
Risks and precautions:
During the procedure, the tube may enter the trachea instead of the esophagus. This causes you to cough; the tube is withdrawn immediately.
You are watched closely for any disturbances in your normal heart-rhythm patterns.
This test is hazardous if you have esophageal varices*, congestive heart failure*, acute myocardial infarction* or other cardiac disorders.
Patient preparation:
Activity--No changes necessary.
Diet--Don't eat any food or drink any liquid for at least 12 hours before the test.
Do not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
Medicines--Inform the person performing the test if you have recently taken any medications listed under Taking these drugs may affect test results. You may be asked not to take this medication before the test. Don't take antacids for 24 hours before the test.
Disrobing--None required.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Touching--You will experience discomfort and fleeting pain when the catheter is placed through your nose to swallow. You may gag or cough.
Seeing--You will see the technician, nurse or doctor, the basket or tray to hold the equipment, the needles, syringes, collecting tubes and bandages.
Tasting--Lubricant on the catheter may have a bad taste.
Hearing--Not affected.
Smelling--Smelling is impaired while tube is in the nose.
Feeling--Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
Equipment used:
Clamp.
Electrode.
Manometric catheter.
Description of test:
You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you.
A tube is passed through your nose into the esophagus. You will feel some discomfort or pain and may cough or gag.
A liquid is slowly poured through the tube into the esophagus.
Report immediately any pain or burning during this part of the procedure.
Sample of gastric contents is removed.
Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
If you continue to experience pain or burning, ask for an antacid.
If you have a sore throat, use throat lozenges. An ice collar may be comforting.
Activity after test:
Resume normal diet.
Return to pretest activities right away.
Additional clinical observation and laboratory studies may be required to establish a definite diagnosis.
Time before test results available:
Test requires only a few minutes in the laboratory. Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by analysis of gastric contents.
Normal values:
Absence of pain when a salt solution or acid solution is passed through the tube into the esophagus.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
In patients with esophagitis*, acidic solution causes pain or burning.
If pain is unaffected by acidic solution or salt solution, chest pain may be caused by heart disease, such as angina pectoris* or other disorders.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
Adrenergic blockers.
Antacids.
Anti-cholinergics.
Corticosteroids.
Reserpine.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Alcohol.
Failure to fast overnight.
*See Glossary.
|
|
From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
|
|
