Bernstein Acid Test

This information was prepared to give you general information about your upcoming Bernstein Acid Perfusion procedure. Any individual problems regarding this procedure should be directed to your personal physician. With questions regarding the procedure itself, please call the GI Lab at (405) 602-3932.

PURPOSE:
This procedure will determine how sensitive the lining of your esophagus (swallowing tube) is to acidic solutions.

PREPARATION:
In order to obtain an accurate and complete assessment, it is necessary to avoid certain medications and activities prior to this procedure. We ask that you follow these guidelines:

DIET:
You will need to be fasting (nothing to eat or drink) approximately 4-6 hours before the procedure.

Please stop these medications for 24 hours prior to the procedure (this includes prescription and over the counter meds): Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, Reglan.

Please stop the following medications at least 5 days before the procedure: Losec, Prilosec, Omeprazole, Prevacid or Propulsid.

Please do not take any antacids 24 hours prior to the procedure (Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, etc.).

PROCEDURE DETAILS:

Length of exam: Approximately 1 hour.

Anesthetics: A topical numbing gel and spray are used in the nose and throat. This will wear off after about 20 - 30 minutes. You will be awake during the procedure and should be able to drive afterwards without difficulty. You will NOT be sedated for this procedure.

Procedure: A small probe is passed through your nose, down your esophagus. The probe will be positioned midway in your esophagus. The probe will be taped securely to your nose and will not interfere with your breathing. Tubing will then be attached to the probe that will begin the perfusion (dripping) of solutions into your esophagus through the positioned probe. You will be asked to express when you feel sensations of your typical heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, etc. Some of the solutions are similar to orange juice and some are like water. You may or may not experience your typical symptoms during this procedure. Please do not worry if you do not respond to the solutions. Be as accurate as possible in describing the sensations that you may feel, as this will help in interpreting the results.

POST CARE INFORMATION:
You should be able to resume your normal diet and medications after the procedure. Your nose and throat may be slightly irritated. Occasionally, your sinuses may drain and you may have a slight nose bleed. These usually subside within 12-24 hours.

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