Feeding tube misplacement is a serious safety concern that can lead to life-threatening complications. When a nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube is incorrectly positioned, patients are at risk for aspiration pneumonia, non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP), extended hospital stays, and—in some cases—death.

Whether you’re working in emergency medicine, the ICU, pediatrics, or general med-surg, accurate, efficient tube verification is essential to protecting your patients.

Why Tube Misplacement Still Happens

Tube misplacement occurs when a feeding tube is unintentionally inserted into the lungs or other non-gastric locations. It can happen during initial placement or after the tube is dislodged and repositioned.

The impact of a misplaced tube includes:

• Feeding solutions entering the lungs, causing aspiration
• Delayed treatment while misplacement is identified
• Extended length of stay and increased costs
• Greater risk for high-acuity complications
• Legal and reputational risks for the facility

These risks are even more serious for neonates, elderly patients, and those with compromised consciousness or complex anatomy.

Use pH Testing as Your Primary Verification Method

Gastric pH testing is a fast, reliable way to confirm correct placement—and it’s supported by evidence and best practice guidelines.

The RightSpotpH® Indicator provides immediate confirmation using the stomach’s naturally acidic environment (pH 1–5.5). By measuring the pH of aspirated fluid, clinicians can verify proper positioning in seconds, right at the bedside.

This FDA-cleared, CLIA-waived, physician-developed tool removes the guesswork of older methods and aligns with modern patient safety standards.

Move Beyond Unreliable Techniques

You may still see outdated methods like:

• Auscultation (the “whoosh test”), which is inaccurate and not recommended as best practice
• Visual inspection of aspirate, which is subjective and error-prone
• Observation of respiratory distress, which is reactive rather than preventive

These methods can delay detection and allow complications to develop. National safety organizations—including the AACN, CHA, and NPSA—have recommended moving away from auscultation in favor of objective verification.

Reserve X-rays for Secondary Confirmation

While X-rays are effective, they come with drawbacks:

• Radiation exposure, particularly concerning for neonates
• Delays in treatment while waiting for scheduling and interpretation
• Increased costs and use of radiology staff time

Using pH testing as a first-line method reduces your dependency on X-rays and helps initiate care faster. Keep X-rays in reserve for cases where pH testing is inconclusive or not possible.

Tailored Tools for Different Patient Populations

NICU and Pediatric Care

Neonates require extra precision. The RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator (ENFit-compatible) is designed for NG/OG tubes 10Fr or smaller and helps:

• Eliminate unnecessary X-rays
• Confirm placement with minimal handling
• Protect fragile patients from avoidable harm

ICUs and Emergency Departments

Critically ill and emergent patients often require fast action:

• ICU patients benefit from real-time confirmation without disrupting ventilation or monitoring equipment
• ED teams gain faster treatment starts and streamlined workflows during high-volume shifts

The Financial Case for Safer Verification

Adopting pH testing isn’t just about clinical safety—it also improves your bottom line.

Your hospital could save thousands per month by:

• Reducing unnecessary X-rays
• Avoiding costly complications
• Shortening hospital stays
• Freeing up staff time for higher-value tasks

Avoiding a single case of aspiration pneumonia could save over $20,000. For most hospitals, pH testing pays for itself within the first year.

Point-of-Care Testing That Makes a Difference

The RightSpotpH® Indicator delivers bedside verification that’s:

• Immediate – Results in seconds
• Non-invasive – No radiology delays or patient transfers
• Staff-friendly – Easy to learn, easy to use
• Patient-centered – Less discomfort, less stress

This kind of direct, actionable information at the point of care supports faster decisions, safer care, and stronger clinical outcomes.

Ready to Improve Patient Safety and Reduce Costs?

Let’s talk about how RightBio Metrics can help. Contact us to schedule a live demo and explore how the RightSpotpH® Indicator fits into your verification protocols.

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