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DIAGNOSING GERD



There are a number of methods a physician may use to evaluate your symptoms and determine whether or not they are caused by GERD.

ENDOSCOPY WITH BIOPSY

Tests that may help your doctor make a diagnosis include an endoscopy with biopsy. You may need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gastroenterologist.

The gastroenterologist will examine your esophagus and take a tissue sample for testing. This procedure can help identify complications that may support a diagnosis of GERD or Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous disease.

However, signs of GERD may not always be visible during the endoscopy. Therefore, your physician may recommend further diagnostic testing to assess your symptoms.


ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to help your doctor better understand the root cause of your symptoms. Reflux testing measures pH levels in your esophagus to identify abnormal acid levels. A swallowing test evaluates the muscles in the esophagus to determine if your reflux is related to a motility disorder.


PRODUCTS RELATED TO GERD DIAGNOSIS

BravoTM Reflux Testing System

This advanced technology uses a small capsule to measure pH levels (acid content) in your esophagus for up to 96 hours.

DigitrapperTM Reflux Testing System

This solution collects data through the length of your esophagus and identifies different types of reflux events.

ManoScanTM High Resolution Manometry System

This innovative system helps physicians better diagnose conditions related to esophageal motor function.

Next: GERD Treatment Options

Caution:

Federal law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a licensed healthcare practitioner. Rx only.

Risk Information:

The risks of the Bravo™ reflux testing system include premature detachment, discomfort, failure to detach, failure to attach, capsule aspiration, capsule retention, tears in the mucosa, bleeding, and perforation. Endoscopic placement may present additional risks. Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur. Because the capsule contains a small magnet, patients should not have an MRI study within 30 days of undergoing the Bravo™ reflux test. Please consult your physician for information.

The risks of catheter insertion into the nasal passage associated with the Digitrapper™ pH and impedance testing system include: discomfort, nasal pain, minor bleeding, runny nose, throat discomfort, irregular heartbeat with dizziness, and perforation. In rare instances, the catheter may be misdirected into the trachea causing coughing or choking, or the catheter may shift up or down causing false results. Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur. The system is not compatible for use in an MRI magnetic field. Please consult your physician for information.

The risks of catheter insertion into the nasal passage associated with the ManoScan™ ESO high resolution manometry system include: discomfort, nasal pain, minor bleeding, runny nose, throat discomfort, irregular heartbeat with dizziness, and perforation. In rare instances, the catheter may be misdirected into the trachea causing coughing or choking, or the catheter may shift up or down causing false results. Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur. These systems are not compatible for use in an MRI magnetic field. Please consult your physician for information.