24-hour reflux testing

For reflux symptoms such as heartburn, belching, coughing, chest pain or regurgitation this test measures acidic or non-acidic reflux over 24 hour and how this relates to your symptoms.

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What is a 24-hour reflux test?

The 24-hour reflux test measures the volume and severity of acid
in the stomach and how much of this leaks from the stomach back into the oesophagus, helps to determine a possible cause for your symptoms and the future management of these.

This test is important for diagnosing reflux and related conditions, as it measures acidic or non-acidic reflux over a testing period of 24 hours.

You may be sent for this test if you have reflux symptoms such as heartburn, belching, chest pain, cough, or regurgitation caused by stomach contents coming up into the oesophagus.

This test reflux procedure is often performed in combination with oesophageal manometry and is one of the most accurate tests for identifying acid reflux and GERD.

Apply for a test

How it works

The test is typically around 30 minutes, and you will be asked to return 24 hours later so the equipment can be removed and sent for investigation.

During the acid reflux test, you will remain in a seated position and a local anaesthetic (numbing) spray will be used where the tube will be inserted.

A thin medical tube with a probe on the end will then be inserted into the nostril and passed down through the back of your throat until it reaches your stomach.

Download the information leaflet

Preparing for your test

Before you test, there are some things we ask you to do, to ensure safety and accurate results. This includes stopping certain medication and fasting for a short period.

Please read our patient information leaflet for full details.

For 3 hours before your test

You must stop eating and drinking and fast for 3 hours before your test.

The day of your test

  • Make sure to wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing

  • Stop taking any over-the-counter antacids

  • If you are asthmatic, still use your inhaler as directed and as necessary

  • If you are taking heart medication, continue with these unless otherwise directed. 

ⓘ If you are diabetic requiring insulin or diabetes medicine, please ask your doctor if you should change your morning dose. Oral hypoglycaemic medicines are usually not taken that morning until completion of the test and you start eating again.

Getting your test results

The results will be analysed by our clinical team to identify if the number of reflux episodes in the 24 hours is considered "normal," i.e., less than 40 episodes, or "abnormal" more than 80 episodes are recorded.

The results will also be able to show what type of reflux you are experiencing, i.e., acidic or non-acidic, highlighting if you are suffering from acid reflux or GERD.

Following your test, your data will be analysed and results written up into a report.

The report will be sent to both you and your referring consultant/doctor, who will explain the results to you in a follow-up consultation.

Paying for your test

Self-paying: If you are paying for this test yourself and not through insurance, the cost will be £1,060.

This cost includes xxxxxxx

Insurance coverage

If you have private medical insurance, most companies can cover this for you.

Got a question or want to find out more about our tests?

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