RightSpotpH Indicators for Nasogastric Tube Insertion in the ICU
Using pH to Confirm NG/OG Tube Placement is Evidenced-Based Best Practice
Immediate confirmation of gastric acidity for nasogastric tube insertion and gastric pH testing, without exposure to x-ray.
In 2005 and 2010, 45% of all cases of harm caused by misplaced NG/OG tubes reported by the United Kingdom’s National Patient Safety Agency were due to misinterpreted X-rays.
RightSpotpH®
Immediate Confirmation
- No radiation exposure
- Possible delays reading x-ray can compromise care in already critically ill patients, e.g. suction tubes accidentally placed against
- Lungs tissue can cause a pneumothorax
- Esophageal tissue can perforate
- Post-pyloric can perforate
- If your hospital is reimbursed for bedside glucose testing, reimbursement may also be available for RightSpotpH® indicators with CPT Code 83986QW.
In the ICU, it is crucial to confirm the accurate placement of feeding or medication tubes for optimal patient care. A gastric pH test plays a vital role in determining the position of NG/OG tubes, and reliable nasogastric tube insertion is essential. Our RightSpotpH® Indicator simplifies this process, allowing medical professionals to rapidly verify tube placement. After inserting the RightSpotpH® Indicator into the protruding end of the tube, a plunger is used to extract gastric fluid into the glass vial, which instantly displays a pH reading on the enclosed pH strip. With the RightSpotpH® Indicator, you can confidently ensure the well-being of your patients in the ICU.
We invite you to read the growing body of evidence that supports using pH to confirm gastric tube placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is accurate Nasogastric Tube insertion critical in the ICU?
Accurate Nasogastric Tube insertion in the ICU is paramount as patients in intensive care are often critically ill or unstable. Any complications from misplacement could exacerbate their condition, making timely and accurate placement essential.
How does the RightSpotpH Indicator enhance the safety of Nasogastric Tube insertions in the ICU?
The RightSpotpH Indicator provides immediate pH feedback during the insertion process, indicating that the tube is correctly placed in the stomach. This rapid confirmation minimizes the risk of complications associated with misplacement.
Are there unique challenges in the ICU setting when inserting a Nasogastric Tube?
Absolutely. ICU patients may have multiple medical devices attached, be on mechanical ventilation, or have altered anatomy due to surgeries or trauma, making the NG Tube or OG Tube insertion more complex.
How does the RightSpotpH Indicator compare to other methods used in the ICU for verifying Nasogastric Tube placement?
While traditional methods like X-rays are effective, the RightSpotpH Indicator offers real-time confirmation, which can be especially valuable in the ICU's time-sensitive environment. It reduces radiation exposure and can speed up the patient care process.
In critical ICU scenarios, how quickly can the RightSpotpH Indicator verify the placement of an NG Tube or OG Tube?
The RightSpotpH Indicator provides almost instantaneous feedback upon insertion, making it an invaluable tool for ICU professionals who often need immediate results.
Does the ICU staff require specialized training to use the RightSpotpH Indicator for Nasogastric Tube insertions?
While the RightSpotpH Indicator is designed for intuitive use, ICU staff should undergo training to ensure they harness the device's full potential and enhance patient safety.
Can the RightSpotpH Indicator reduce the ICU's reliance on X-rays for Nasogastric Tube placement confirmation?
Yes, the immediate feedback from the RightSpotpH Indicator can often negate the need for X-rays, leading to quicker patient care and reduced radiation exposure in the ICU setting.
Are there any specific patient conditions in the ICU where the RightSpotpH Indicator is particularly useful?
In the ICU, patients on mechanical ventilation, with altered gastric pH due to medications, or with a risk of aspiration can greatly benefit from the rapid confirmation provided by the RightSpotpH Indicator.
