Acid Reflux Study – Bravo® Method
Bravo® is a pH-recording capsule used to measure acid levels in the esophagus and to help detect 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. This 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 Your test may be cancelled if instructions are not followed |
Before the Test
If you are taking medicines to reduce stomach acid, a nurse will tell you whether you should stop them ahead of time (see list 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 test.
- 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).
- 12 hours before the test, stop Zelnorm® (tegaserod maleate) and Reglan® (metoclopramide).
Day of the Test
Please review the Endoscopy Health Facts sheet for diet instruction and arrival time. 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 test is done at the Digestive Health Center (or one of the locations listed below).
After the Test
Do not have an MRI for 30 days.
How to Contact Us
Digestive Health Center, 8am to 5pm weekdays, (608) 890-5000.
After clinic hours, please call (608) 890-5000. Give your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live outside of the Madison area, please call 1-855-342-9900.
UW Health Digestive Health Center
750 University Row
Madison, WI
(608) 890-5000
(855) 342-9900
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
GI Procedure Clinic
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI
(608) 263-8097
(800) 323-8942
Meriter Hospital Digestive Health Center
Lower Level
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI
(608) 417-6389
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: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 04/11/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6265
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