Why is Accurate Nasogastric Tube Insertion Critical in the ICU?

Nasogastric (NG) tubes are a reliable way for those who lose the ability to eat and drink properly to receive the food, fluids, and medications they need. These tubes are not only dependable, but they are also incredibly common in many medical settings, including the ICU. 

However, the issue is that NG tube use is only safe and effective when the person placing the tube has done so correctly. Only after confirming accurate NG tube insertion can you safely use one of these tubes. 

In the sections to follow, we’ll cover the basics of NG tubes for ICU use, the importance of accurate insertion, and much more. Read on to learn what you need to know about how to correctly place and use an NG tube in ICU settings. 

What is an NG Tube and How Are they Used in the ICU?

Before we cover the critical nature of accurate NG tube placement, let’s ensure that you understand what an NG tube is and its essential function in the ICU and other medical settings. 

An NG tube is a type of feeding tube that inserts via the nasal passage and runs down the esophagus and into the patient’s stomach. The presence of the NG tube allows the patient to easily receive medication, nutrients, and fluids. 

NG tubes are especially useful when a patient has had an injury or some other occurrence that has reduced or eliminated their ability to bite, chew, and swallow as they normally would. These situations are common in the ICU. However, NG tubes remain useful in many situations, whether the patient is in the ICU or not. 

ICU NG Tube Misplacement is Common and Dangerous

The previous section revealed the basics of what an NG tube is and how crucial these feeding tubes can be in the ICU and other medical settings. However, NG tubes are only able to provide their benefits when the person placing the tube is able to do so accurately. Without accurate placement, the use of an NG tube is incredibly unsafe. 

Unfortunately, and somewhat surprisingly, feeding tube misplacement is quite widespread in medical practice. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 56% of feeding tubes intended for the stomach end up elsewhere in the body.

Sadly, misplaced feeding tubes are much more than a simple nuisance. Instead, the use of a misplaced feeding tube can lead to serious complications and injury. Additionally, mistakes when using an NG tube can even lead to death in some cases.

Since using a misplaced feeding tube is so dangerous, it’s important to do everything in your power to ensure you avoid using a misplaced tube. Fortunately, there are ways to accurately confirm the correct NG tube placement before use.  

Methods for Testing NG Tube Placement

There are multiple ways to test NG tube placement in the ICU that you should be aware of. However, not all of these methods are equally effective. Read on through the sections below to learn about the most common NG tube placement methods, which ones to use, and which ones to avoid. 

Testing NG Tube Placement Using X-Ray

One of the most common ways to test the placement of an NG tube is by using an X-ray machine. X-ray machines are often a very accurate way of confirming feeding tube placement. However, they have some downsides that make them not the ideal option. 

For instance, using an X-ray requires access to a medical facility that has one of these devices and staff that knows how to operate it. As such, patients using X-rays to test NG tube placement will need to continually visit one of these facilities, which may not be time efficient and can become expensive. 

Also, X-rays present some potential health risks. Since using an X-ray exposes the body to radiation, it can damage DNA, increase cancer risk, and more. Repeated use can make these unwanted outcomes more likely. Still, periodic use of an X-ray to confirm NG tube placement in the ICU remains a viable option. 

Testing NG Tube Placement Using the Woosh Test

The woosh test involves blowing air into a feeding tube and listening for a specific sound to confirm the proper placement of the tube. While this practice was once standard, medical professionals now understand that it’s best to avoid the woosh test at all costs. 

The woosh test is not only out-dated, it is inaccurate, meaning that it is nearly impossible to guarantee safe NG tube use by relying on a woosh test. Despite the perceived convenience of the woosh test, you should avoid using it in all instances. 

Testing NG Tube Placement Using a pH Testing Kit

Our final method for testing the placement of an NG tube is to use a pH test. pH tests are useful in many settings and prove to have many advantages over other testing methods that we’ll outline shortly. 

When in doubt, using a pH test proves to be the best way to test NG tube placement in the ICU or elsewhere. These tests are quick and dependable, meaning that you can rely on them to confirm that your feeding tube is safe to use. 

Advantages of pH Tests for Confirming NG Tube Placement

Now that we have pointed out that pH tests are the best way to confirm the placement of an NG tube, it’s time to dive deeper into why that’s the case. Below are some of the top advantages of using a pH test to ensure accurate NG tube insertion:

• Accuracy: Accurate results are a top priority when testing NG tube placement. You can rest assured that a pH test will give you accurate readings in nearly every instance. 
• Quickness: You’ll receive the results of a pH test very quickly, making this testing method one of the most convenient. 
• Ease of use: pH tests are easy to use, even if you don’t have medical experience. Many of the best pH tests include a color-coded system that provides easy-to-read results. 
• Versatility: pH tests are portable and you can use them in any medical setting. 
• Affordability: Compared to the repeated use of an X-ray machine, pH tests are far more affordable. 
• No radiation exposure: Unlike X-rays, pH tests do not expose the body to any amount of radiation, ensuring that they are safe to use for the patient. 

Accurate NG Tube Insertion is Essential in the ICU

Confirming accurate NG tube insertion in the ICU is the only way to ensure safe use of the tube. Fortunately, there are dependable ways to ensure proper NG tube placement and the best option of all is to use a pH test. 

If you work in an ICU or any other healthcare setting that commonly depends on the use of NG tubes, you’ll want to find the best pH testing kit you can find. When it comes to industry-leading pH testing kits for NG tubes, the RightSpotpH® Indicator by RightBio Metrics is the best you can find. Contact us today to learn more about our products and schedule a free demo.