The whole thing takes about an hour. No needles, no sedation, no recovery time. Here's exactly what happens before, during, and after.
Your practitioner will give you specific preparation instructions. The basics are simple: don't eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Water is fine. Stop taking antacids, H2 blockers, and bismuth products at least 48 hours before. Skip alcohol for 24 hours.
If you're on a PPI, your practitioner may ask you to pause it for a period so your natural acid production can be measured. Don't stop any medication without talking to your prescriber first. Your practitioner will tell you exactly what to do.
For full safety information, including who should not take the test, visit our safety page.
You'll be seated comfortably the whole time. Your practitioner hands you the capsule with a sip of water. It's about the size of a large vitamin. Most people swallow it without any trouble.
Once it's in your stomach, it starts transmitting pH data wirelessly to a screen that you and your practitioner can watch together. The capsule is attached to a thin thread so it can be retrieved at the end.
Your practitioner then gives you small sips of a bicarbonate solution. This temporarily neutralizes your stomach acid. The capsule tracks how fast your stomach responds and produces acid again. This is repeated several times over the course of the test.
The whole thing takes 45 to 60 minutes. Most people say it's completely uneventful.
Your practitioner retrieves the capsule using the thread. Takes a few seconds. That's it. No recovery period. You can eat, drink, and get on with your day immediately.
You and your practitioner will review your results together during the same visit. The data shows how your stomach responded to each challenge. Your practitioner will walk you through what the patterns mean for your specific situation.
Does it hurt? No. The capsule is smooth and small. The bicarbonate solution tastes mildly salty. The thread is thin and most people forget it's there.
What if I can't swallow the capsule? Most people swallow it without any trouble. It is about the size of a large vitamin. For patients who find the tethered version difficult, an untethered capsule is also available. Your practitioner will determine which approach is best for you..
Is there any radiation? No. The capsule uses a low-power radio signal, similar to a wireless thermometer.
What happens to the capsule? It's retrieved at the end using the thread. It doesn't stay in your body.
The Heidelberg pH Capsule is a Class I medical device, 510(k)-exempt, listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under 21 CFR §876.1400. Listing of a device does not denote FDA approval, clearance, or endorsement.