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Gerd
Patient Education
Patient Guide
Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Gerd - Patient Education
When an individual has prolonged or repeated episodes of heartburn, it should be further evaluated to make a diagnosis of GERD. Diagnostic procedures may be performed after a trial of acid-suppressive therapy has been tried. Read more in this patient education guide.
| Test | Why Test? | What Happens? | What is Normal/Abnormal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Endoscopy |
Used to see the walls of the upper digestive tract Ulcers, tumors, narrowed areas (strictures) and hiatal hernias can be seen and diagnosed |
During this procedure, a thin flexible tube with a light attached is inserted through the mouth and advanced to the esophagus. |
In normal results, the esophagus looks white. A red appearance will indicate inflammation or irritation. |
| pH Test |
Measures the amount of acid that flows into the esophagus from the stomach. Rules out other conditions, such as heartburn. |
A thin plastic tube with a sensor is inserted into the lower esophagus from the nose and left in place for 24 hours to measure the amount of acid flowing upward into the esophagus along with how efficiently it clears the esophagus. |
Normal esophageal pH is considered to be close to pH 7.0. GERD is typically diagnosed with pH is below 4. |
| Barium X-Rays |
Used to see abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, hiatal hernias, strictures, erosions or tumors. The test often indicates patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), as opposed to a GERD diagnosis. |
Involves the ingestion of barium into the digestive tract after which diagnostic x-rays are taken to visualize and diagnose any abnormalities. | Doctor considers shape, size and movement of esophagus, stomach and small intestine. |
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