Acid Reflux Study – Bravo® Method
Bravo® is a pH-recording capsule used to measure acidity levels in the esophagus and to help diagnose esophageal gastric reflux. The capsule is placed in the esophagus during the endoscopy.
Once the capsule has been attached to the esophagus, it sends readings to the monitor worn on your clothes. The monitor will record all acid readings for the next 48 hours. For two days, you will need to keep a diary of:
- What you eat and drink
- Any symptoms you have
- When you are lying down
The data in the monitor and from your diary will be entered into a computer for analysis.
| Important – Read 1 week in advance with the Endoscopy Health Facts for You
Procedure may be cancelled if instructions are not followed |
Before the Test
If you are taking medicines to reduce stomach acid, a nurse will give you instruction to stop them before your endoscopy/Bravo® placement. The normal schedule to stop taking various medicines is listed below. In special cases, your doctor may instruct you to keep taking them. You may take over-the-counter antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Gaviscon®, Tums®, or Rolaids®) up to 12 hour hours before the procedure.
- 14 days before the test, stop Nexium® (esomeprazole).
- 7 days before the test, stop Aciphex® (rabeprazole), Prilosec® (omeprazole), Prevacid® (lanosprazole), and Protonix® (pantoprazole).
- 2 days before the test, stop Propulsid® (cisapride), Zantac® (ranitidine), Axid® (nizatidine), Pepcid® (Famotidine), and Tagamet® (cimetidine).
Day of the Test
Please review the Endoscopy Health Facts sheet for instruction on diet and arrival time. Along with the rest of the prep process for your endoscopy, a nurse will review the Bravo monitor and how to keep your diary. The nurse will let you know when and where to return the monitor and diary. Turning them in on time will help your doctor to accurately evaluate your results. These monitors are reused and need to be ready for the next patient.
The procedure is done at the Ambulatory Procedure Center (Gastroenterology Procedure) C5/2.
Phone Numbers
Gastroenterology Clinic, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
(608) 263-8094, select option #2.
After clinic hours, this number is answered by the paging operator. Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
600 Highland Avenue
C5/2 Gastroenterology Procedures
Madison WI 53792-2451
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/15/2009
Copyright © 04/15/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6265
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