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pH of Gastric Fluid Aspirates using pH Strips, pH, Gastric pH
Test CodePOCpH
Preferred Specimen
Gastric fluid from a nasogastric / orogastric tube
Methodology
pH Strip, manual test
Setup Schedule
24x7
Report Available
Immediately by POC testing personnel
Document the POC result via the Manual Test Entry on the glucose meter. The result will then interface to the patient Medical Record.
Document the POC result via the Manual Test Entry on the glucose meter. The result will then interface to the patient Medical Record.
Reference Range
Result Options/Interpretation:
- pH of 5 or less ( pH < 5): suggests the presence of acidic, gastric fluids and correct nasogastric tube (NGT) or orogastric tube (OGT) placement.
- pH greater than or equal to 5 (pH ≥ 5): suggests the presence of non-gastric fluid and likely unacceptable placement of nasogastric tube.
Clinical Significance
Purpose: To determine the pH value of gastric fluid aspirates following the placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT) or an orogastric tube (OGT). Determination of gastric aspirate pH is used as a qualitative guide in NGT and OGT placement. This is a waived test intended for Point of Care use.
1. pH paper can only indicate a pH value and should be used only as a monitoring tool.
- The chest X-ray, to verify/confirm nasogastric tube placement is considered the gold-standard.
2. The test is read visually and requires color differentiation. It should not be interpreted by staff determined to have any form of color blindness. Clinical staff that are unable to discriminate color should not perform this test.
3. Antacids can increase the pH of gastric fluids.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC POC Laboratory
