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.
Read More About NV-HAP
Below are links to more information regarding the condition of NV-HAP.
American Journal Of Infection Control – The infection preventionist’s role in identifying NV-HAP
APIC Practice Position Statement – HV-HAP
We invite you to read the growing body of evidence that supports using pH to confirm gastric NG/OG tube placement in this vulnerable patient population.
