Bravo Oesophageal pH Test

Before your test, you’ll have a consultation with your specialist to fully explain the procedure, and you'll have a chance to ask any questions. The Bravo pH test involves having a wireless capsule placed in the oesophagus and then wearing a recorder for 48 hours to capture data from the capsule. 

On the first day of your test, you’ll have an appointment at an outpatient clinic in our Digestive Health centre to insert the capsule. When you arrive, you’ll check in to your private patient pod and will be asked to change into a gown. 

During the procedure:

• your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray, and you’ll be given a mild sedative

• a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is gently passed through your mouth into your oesophagus to allow your consultant to see inside the oesophagus

• you’ll be able to breathe normally during the procedure 

• the tiny Bravo capsule is attached to the oesophageal wall using gentle suction

• once in place, your consultant will make sure that the capsule is sending signals to the wireless recorder

• the endoscope will be gently removed

The procedure usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes, and you might be somewhat aware of something being in your throat, and your throat might be a little sore. Our nursing team will be on hand to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. 

After the procedure, you’ll be able to recover from the sedative in private, comfortable surroundings, and then you’ll be able to go home and continue your normal routine while the test runs. Because we use a sedative for this procedure at Welbeck, you must have a responsible adult to collect you. 

Over the next 48 hours, you’ll be asked to keep a diary and to use the recorder to log certain events, like when you eat and drink, when you go to bed and any symptoms you have. Your consultant will explain to you what to record and how to use the recorder before you leave the outpatient clinic.

During the study:

• follow your usual daily routine, without making any drastic changes to your normal activities

• avoid getting the recorder wet

• eat your regular meals as you usually would

• eat at least 2 meals a day, and we recommend eating foods that usually increase your symptoms

• avoid snacking

• don’t suck on boiled sweets

• do not chew gum

• remain upright throughout the day, and do not lie down until you go to bed at night (unless napping or lying down during the day is part of your normal routine)

• follow your consultant’s advice on any medications to avoid during the monitoring period

You’ll be asked to record: 

• when symptoms occur 

• the times you eat and drink anything other than plain water

• the times you lie down (even if you’re just resting or having a nap), and when you get back up

If you think you may be experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects during the test, such as chest pain or bleeding, call the Welbeck Digestive Health team.

You’ll return the wireless recorder and diary when the monitoring period is over, and the information will be analysed by your consultant. They’ll arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss the results and any next steps. 

The capsule will naturally detach from your oesophagus after a few days and pass harmlessly through your digestive system, without you noticing.

The Bravo oesophageal pH test is very safe and well-tolerated. You may feel mild soreness in your throat or chest for a day or so after the capsule is attached, but this usually settles quickly. Rarely, the capsule may stay in place for a few extra days or cause a temporary sensation when swallowing.

Occasionally, there may be technical problems with the equipment and set-up that make the results unreliable. For example, the capsule might not stay in place for the full monitoring period.  

Very rare risks include:

• chest or back pain 

• damage to the tissue of your oesophagus or intestines

• bleeding

• aspiration of the capsule

Your consultant will carefully explain how you need to prepare for the test when they explain the procedure to you. 

This may include: 

• stopping taking any proton pump inhibitors 7 days before the test 

• stopping taking any H2 blockers 48 hours before the test 

• stopping taking antacids such as Gaviscon or Rennie 6 hours before the test

• stopping eating all food, including milk, 6 hours before your appointment 

• drinking only water up to two hours before your appointment

When the 48-hour period is complete, you’ll return your recorder to the clinic so your specialist can download and review the results. Your consultant will discuss the next steps with you at a follow-up appointment. 

You can return to work and normal activities immediately after your test, and you can restart any medication.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a Bravo oesophageal pH test, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.