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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Heidelberg pH

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HPH

Description

"Heidelberg pH" test checks your stomach’s acid levels to determine if they’re too high, too low, or absent. A small capsule with a sensor is swallowed, sending real-time data to a receiver as your stomach processes liquids. This test is often used for ongoing bloating, indigestion, or nutrient absorption problems. Abnormal acid levels can explain symptoms or chronic conditions. Based on results, doctors may recommend supplements, dietary changes, or further testing to support digestion and nutrient balance.

"Heidelberg pH" test checks your stomach’s acid levels to determine if they’re too high, too low, or absent. A small capsule with a sensor is swallowed, sending real-time data to a receiver as your stomach processes liquids. This test is often used for ongoing bloating, indigestion, or nutrient absorption problems. Abnormal acid levels can explain symptoms or chronic conditions. Based on results, doctors may recommend supplements, dietary changes, or further testing to support digestion and nutrient balance.

Category

GI Tract Function

Procedure

Non-Invasive

Sample Type

No biological sample is needed for this test.

Units

Potential Of Hydrogen

Procedure Category

Ingest, Measure

Test Group

Endoscopic Procedure Group

Test Group Description

Endoscopic Procedure Group: This group encompasses a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip. These procedures allow healthcare providers to visualize internal organs and tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and urinary tract.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 1.5 pH

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 1.5–3.5 pH

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Acute gastritis (Inflammation of the stomach lining)

  • Dumping syndrome (Rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine)

  • Excessive mucus

  • Gastric ulcer (Open sore in the stomach lining)

  • Gastric outlet obstruction (Blockage in the pathway between the stomach and the small intestine)

  • Gastroparesis ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Gastric Acid Evaluation: Heidelberg pH testing measures stomach acidity, providing insights into digestion.

  • Diagnosis of Acid Disorders: Identifies GERD, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and related conditions.

  • Reflux Symptom Analysis: Evaluates reflux symptoms, including heartburn and chest pain, by detecting acid episodes.

  • Treatment Monitoring: Tracks responses to medications or lifestyle changes for acid-related disorders.

  • Gastric Function Assessment: Provides data on gastric motility and emptying to diagnose gastroparesis.

  • Preoperative Use: Supports planning for GERD-related surgeries.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Dressman JB, Berardi RR, Dermentzoglou LC, et al. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) pH in young, healthy men and women. Pharm Res. 1990;7(7):756-761.
[2] McCallum RW, Polepalle SC. Use of the Heidelberg capsule technique in evaluating gastric acid secretion in clinical practice. Am J Gastroenterol. 1980;73(5):397-403.
[3] Feldman M, Barnett C. Role of gastric acid in the control of intragastric bacteria. Dig Dis Sci. 1991;36(5):601-611.
[4] Feldman M, Richardson CT. Gastric acidity in patients with duodenal ulcer: comparison of ambulatory and in-hospital measurements. Gastroenterology. 1986;90(5 Pt 1):1183-1187.
[5] Chowers Y, Alpan G, Schlesinger P, Gilat T. Gastric pH in health and various gastrointestinal diseases. Digestion.1980;20(4):214-219.
[6] Zajac P, Holbrook A, Super ME, Vogt M. An overview: current clinical guidelines for the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of dyspepsia. Ochsner J. 2013;13(2):252-257.
[7] Graham DY, Smith JL. Spontaneous hypochlorhydria in asymptomatic elderly outpatients: implications for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 1989;84(7):856-860.
[8] Moayyedi P, Axon AT. Review article: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease—problems in the transition from symptoms to disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005;22(Suppl 1):85-91.
[9] Feldman M, Cryer B. Gastric acid secretion and its regulation by histamine, acetylcholine, and gastrin. Gastroenterology. 1998;114(2):554-565.
[10] Tobey NA, Carson JL, Alkiek RA, Orlando RC. Dilated intercellular spaces: a morphological feature of acid reflux-damaged human esophageal epithelium. Gastroenterology. 1996;111(5):1200-1205.

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