The acid reflux test is also known as an upper endoscopy, and is carried out using an endoscope, which is a medical device that consists of a camera mounted on a flexible tube.
Small instruments may also be used to take samples of suspicious tissues through the endoscope, during an acid reflux test.
Upper endoscopy is also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or panendoscopy, and is more expensive and invasive, yet more accurate than the barium-swallow radiograph.
Doctors use the acid reflux test in order to identify and grade severe esophagitis, to periodically monitor patients suffering from Barrett's esophagus, to screen people facing a high risk of BE, or in the event that other complications of GERD are suspected.
Upper endoscopy or the acid reflux test may also be performed in various surgical techniques.
Periodic endoscopy is recommended for the detection of early stages of cancer in patients diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.
An acid reflux test may be performed either in a doctor's office or in a hospital.
To prepare for the upper endoscopy, the doctor may advice you not to eat or drink anything beforehand.
With the right sedation, you should feel very little if any discomfort during your acid reflux test.
The test is done as follows: oDoctor administers a local anesthetic using an oral spray and an intravenous sedative is used to suppress the gag reflex, as well as to relax the patient.
oThe doctor then places the endoscope into the mouth of the patient and down the esophagus.
oOnce the endoscope is in place, the doctor can see the surface of the esophagus and look for any abnormalities, including hiatal hernia or damage to the mucous lining.
oThe doctor then performs a biopsy, which involves removing and microscopically examining the small tissue sections.
The biopsy may reveal tissue injury which is a sign of GERD, or detect cancer and other health conditions such as yeast or viral infections.