Safety

Our safety record.

60+
Years in use
1M+
Tests performed
0
Adverse events
0
Recalls or warnings

Over 60 years of clinical use. No recalls. No warnings. No adverse events. The capsule is tethered, retrieved, and never stays in your body.

We’ve been legally marketed in the United States since before 1976. In that time, the FDA MAUDE database contains zero adverse event reports for the Heidelberg pH Capsule. Zero recalls. Zero Warning Letters. That record spans over a million tests across clinical practices, research institutions, and pharmaceutical studies worldwide.

How the test is designed for safety

Tethered and retrieved

The capsule is tethered with a thin medical-grade thread during the test. This means your practitioner can retrieve it at the end, and it can’t pass beyond your stomach. It does not remain in your body.

No battery. No radiation.

The capsule has no battery that could leak. The sensor is solid-state. The radio signal is low-power, like a wireless thermometer. No radiation.

Pharmaceutical-grade solution

The bicarbonate solution you drink during the test is a standard pharmaceutical-grade preparation. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used as an antacid and has a well-established safety profile.

Who should not take the test

This test cannot be performed if you have:

  • An implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
  • Current or possible pregnancy
  • A known gastrointestinal stricture, bowel obstruction, or narrowing of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines

If any of these apply, speak with your doctor about alternatives.

Conditions that require evaluation first

The following do not automatically disqualify you, but your practitioner will need to assess your eligibility before the test can proceed:

  • Difficulty swallowing solid foods or tablets
  • A history of frequent nausea or involuntary vomiting
  • A diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of Crohn’s disease
  • A history of abdominal adhesions or prior abdominal surgery
  • An MRI scan scheduled within 14 days
Medications that affect the test

Certain medications must be temporarily paused before the test to ensure accurate results:

Proton pump inhibitorsstop 7+ days before
H2 blockers3+ days before
Antacids & betaine HCl24+ hours before

Do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your prescribing physician first. Your practitioner will provide specific guidance based on your situation.

How the capsule is designed

The Heidelberg capsule is tethered throughout the procedure. It’s mechanically retrieved. There’s no adhesive. No component is ever left unattended in your body.

That’s not a new feature. That’s how it’s always been designed.

Regulatory status

The Heidelberg pH Capsule is a Class I, 510(k)-exempt, preamendments device, classified under 21 CFR §876.1400. Registration of an establishment or listing of a device does not denote FDA approval, clearance, or endorsement.

Safe by design. Proven by time.

Over 140 peer-reviewed studies and counting.