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RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator

Gastric acidity verification for NG/OG tube placement.

Used for NG/OG tubes 10Fr or less

PROBLEM:

  • Published studies cite that 21-56% of tubes intended for the stomach are confirmed elsewhere in the body.*
  • Nursing and Patient Safety Organizations are calling for the immediate discontinuation of auscultation to confirm tube gastric placement and use of pH as one of the indicators.**
  • NICU babies are the most vulnerable, yet most US hospitals still use auscultation to confirm gastric placement. Studies show that NICU babies stomachs are acidified and it is possible to obtain aspirate.***
  • The United Kingdome uses pH first line for their NICU population.****

Solution: RightSpotpH® SmallBore

The ONLY FDA cleared, CE Marked, CLIA waived product that uses pH to confirm gastric acidity for tubes intended to end in the stomach

RightBio Metrics pH indicators are a cost-effective way to confirm gastric acidity of tubes intended for the stomach. Published studies show pH can be used in place of x-ray to confirm initial placement. In some hospitals x-ray is only used when pH is inconclusive.**

Additionally, the pH indicators can be used:

  • when there is a suspected mis-placement
  • when there is a shift change
  • prior to each feed/medication delivery.

Reimbursement: CPT Code 83986QW

Some think of using our pH indicators as an insurance policy to improve the safety of placing tubes with little to no added cost to the hospital. If your hospital is reimbursed for bedside glucose testing you may be able to get reimbursement for the RightSpotpH® SmallBore

Single-use only. Latex free

*The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing (2015) Following the Evidence. Enteral Tube Placement and Verification in Neonates and Young Children. Clifford, Patricia; Heimall, Lauren; Brittingham, Lori; Finn Davis, Katherine;

**ENA Clinical Practice Guideline (2015); AACN Practice Alerts (2005 & 2016); CHABlind Pediatric NG Tube Placement Patient Safety Alert (2012)

***Neonatal Intensive Care (2015) Validation Study of the RightSpot Infant pH Indicator for Verification of Feeding Tube Placement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Martin, Gregory C.; Wade, Christine.

NHS Alert on Neonates, Reducing the harm caused by gastric feeding tubes under the care of neonatal units, (2005)

****NPSA Patient Safety Alert, NHS (March 2011)

Frequently Asked Questions

The RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator is designed to provide an immediate and accurate pH reading to confirm the placement of NG/OG tubes, ensuring they're properly positioned in the stomach, and is used for NG/OG tubes 10Fr or less.

Yes, the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator is designed to be versatile enough for use in patients across various age groups, including neonates. This is crucial because neonates, due to their fragile health and unique physiological attributes, are particularly vulnerable to the risks of NG/OG tube misplacement.  The RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator provides an efficient, non-invasive, and radiation-free alternative. 

Indeed, X-rays have historically been the traditional gold standard for confirming NG/OG tube placements. However, the use of X-rays carries inherent challenges. Firstly, patients are exposed to radiation, which can be concerning, especially when frequent verifications are required. Secondly, waiting for an X-ray and then for the interpretation can delay essential medical treatments, particularly in urgent situations. X-rays are also expensive. The SmallBore Indicator is an easy to use and radiation-free option.

The RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator is designed for ease of use, allowing clinical staff to quickly and effectively confirm tube placement without complex procedures. Unlike some medical devices which require rigorous training or frequent referencing to manuals, the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator can be operated with minimal instruction, allowing for a more streamlined integration into daily clinical workflows.

Before the introduction of any feeding solutions, medications, or other fluids, tube placement must be reassured. This is where the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator comes into play again. Its prompt and accurate verification capabilities ensure that any delivered substances reach the intended destination without causing harm or discomfort. It should be used immediately after tube insertion and before initiating any feeding or medication administration. Regular checks, especially post potential dislodgements, are also recommended.

The quick, non-invasive nature of the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator reduces patient discomfort and stress associated with other tube verification methods. The swift nature of the verification process with the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator minimizes the duration of potential anxiety a patient might feel about whether a tube is correctly placed. Knowing that the tube's positioning has been verified in a quick and reliable manner can be reassuring for both the patient and their loved ones.

No, the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator is designed for easy handling and doesn't necessitate special storage conditions. However, always refer to product guidelines for specific instructions. While it doesn't necessitate specialized storage conditions, it's always advisable to keep it in a clean, dry area to ensure its integrity. This ensures that every time it's used, it delivers consistent and accurate results.

Yes, its versatility makes it suitable for various healthcare settings, ensuring evidence-based tube placement confirmation in different environments. In the high-intensity world of Intensive Care Units, accurate and swift confirmation of tube placements is paramount. The stakes are high, with patients often in critical conditions, and there's little room for error. In contrast, the homecare setting presents its own set of challenges. Caregivers or family members might not have the extensive training typical of ICU or ER personnel. The intuitive design of the RightSpotpH® SmallBore Indicator makes it an invaluable tool in homecare scenarios. 

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