How to Safely & Accurately Check NG Tube Placement in the NICU

Using pH to Confirm NG/OG Tube Placement is the Evidence-Based Best Practice

pH is the emerging US/Global Standard for confirming gastric NG/OG tube placement in the NICU.

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® SmallBore

pH is the Global Gold Standard.

Approximately 25% of hospitalized children have an NG tube. Of that number, 60% of the patients are in a NICU.
Published studies report that up to 56% of feeding tubes placed in pediatric and neonatal patients are not in their intended location.

Introducing the RightSpotpH® SmallBore device, an innovative solution designed to revolutionize how to check NG tube placement in neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. This FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived pH indicator delivers an accurate and reliable confirmation of gastric placement, ensuring optimal patient care and safety during NG/OG tube insertions. Discover the benefits of a user-friendly, efficient, and secure method for mastering how to check NG tube placement with the RightSpotpH® SmallBore device.

NV-HAP And Its Risks In The NICU

Non-Ventilator Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a type of pneumonia that develops in hospitalized patients who are not receiving mechanical ventilation. It’s a significant concern in all hospital settings, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), due to its potential to cause severe complications. Neonates are particularly susceptible to NV-HAP due to their immature immune systems and the necessity for procedures such as feeding tube insertions. The infection can lead to extended hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and heightened risk of morbidity and mortality.

Preventing NV-HAP in the NICU presents unique challenges. Many of the preventive measures employed for adults are not suitable for neonates. For example, the standard practice of elevating the head of the bed to prevent aspiration can lead to oxygen deprivation in neonates and is therefore not recommended.

One critical risk factor for NV-HAP in neonates is the misplacement of feeding tubes, specifically NG (Nasogastric) tubes. If these tubes are incorrectly placed in the lungs instead of the stomach, it can lead to serious lung infections, including pneumonia. Correct placement of NG tubes is especially crucial in neonates, where physical signs of tube misplacement may be subtle or entirely absent.

The RightSpotpH Indicator is a game-changer in this context. It provides an immediate, reliable method for verifying the correct placement of NG tubes, reducing the risk of aspiration and the subsequent development of NV-HAP. This innovative tool is designed with the unique challenges of the NICU in mind, supporting healthcare professionals in delivering the safest and most effective care to neonates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the RightSpotpH® SmallBore device cater to the unique needs of neonates?

The RightSpotpH® SmallBore device is specifically designed to provide rapid, accurate pH testing, eliminating the need for invasive procedures or repeated X-rays, which can be especially harmful to neonates.

Why is accurate NG/OG tube placement especially critical for neonates in the NICU?

For neonates, even a minor misplacement can lead to severe complications, such as aspiration or NV-HAP. Given their delicate physiology and small size, neonates are at a higher risk of tube misplacement, making accurate verification vital.

What is the best method for learning how to check NG tube placement in the NICU?

RightBio Metrics offers innovative solutions like the RightSpotpH® SmallBore device to revolutionize how to check NG tube placement for neonatal and pediatric patients. This FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived pH indicator provides an accurate, efficient, and secure method for confirming gastric placement of NG tubes.

What makes the RightSpotpH® SmallBore device a breakthrough in how to check NG tube placement?

The RightSpotpH® SmallBore device is an innovative technology that provides immediate, accurate, and reliable confirmation of gastric NG tube placement. It's designed with the unique challenges of the NICU in mind, making it a game-changer in how to check NG tube placement and ensuring the safest and most effective care for neonates.

How does RightBio Metrics enhance healthcare safety when it comes to how to check NG tube placement?

At RightBio Metrics, our mission is to enhance patient safety through innovative technology for accurate NG tube placement checks. Our solutions like the RightSpotpH® Small Bore device minimize the risk of complications related to incorrect tube placement, and ensure optimal patient care.

Where can I find more resources about how to check NG tube placement?

For more information about how to check NG tube placement, you can explore our website, which includes a video library, a blog, and other resources. We also offer a live demo to showcase our innovative technology for checking NG tube placement.

Why is knowing how to check NG tube placement so important?

Accurate NG tube placement is critical to patient safety, particularly in the NICU. Incorrect placement of an NG tube can lead to serious complications such as lung infections and Non-Ventilator Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (NV-HAP). That's why RightBio Metrics has developed solutions to make checking NG tube placement more reliable and less prone to error.

How user-friendly is the RightSpotpH® SmallBore for NICU staff working with neonates?

Designed with the intricacies of neonatal care in mind, the RightSpotpH® SmallBore is intuitive, allowing NICU staff to obtain accurate readings swiftly, ensuring optimal care for patients in the NICU.