Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) test

For reflux symptoms such as
cough, sour taste, sore throat or burning in the throat and mouth, this test provides information on how much reflux your are getting in your throat.

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What is a Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) test?

The laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) test provides information on how much reflux you are getting in your throat and help to determine if reflux is causing your symptoms.

The test involves inserting a small tube through your nose into the back of your throat. This will measure any reflux you get over a period of 24-hours, and how this relates to your symptoms.

How it works

Your nostril and throat will be numbed with an anaesthetic spray while you are sitting upright. A thin tube (2 mm) is passed through your nostril, to the back of your throat. The process of introducing the catheter is done with you fully in control, you can pause and ask questions at any point.
Once in position this will be taped to your nose for the duration of the study.

The tube is then connected to a small transmitter which is will be attached to your clothing with a small clip. The transmitter will then send data wirelessly to a recording box.
You will need to wear this for approximately 24 hours, in order to get a good picture of what happens in your throat during the day and night.

Your physiologist will explain how the recorder works and will tell you what buttons you need to press and when. You will go home with this in place and continue your normal daily activities including eating and drinking as you normally would to give a good representation of your usual symptoms.

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 5 days before your test

Do not take proton pump inhibitors ((PPIs) Losec, Nexium, lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole etc.)

You can continue taking any other essential medicines

For 7 days before your test

Do not take H2 receptor antagonists (Zantac, Tagamet, ranitidine etc.)

The day before the test

Do not take antacids

(Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesia, Rennie etc.)

For 6 hours before the test

You must stop eating and drinking and fast for 6 hours before your test.

The day of your test

  • You can have small sips of water (maximum of 300ml) until the start of your test

  • You may take your essential medicines with a small amount of water

  • You may brush your teeth

ⓘ 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 recording device used in this test will measure the acidity of your throat over the course of the test, and how this relates to your symptoms.

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 the laryngopharyngeal reflux test, analysis and report.

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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