OG Tube vs. NG Tube: Which is Better?
Don Marcello
Medical professionals often prefer nasogastric (NG) tubes over orogastric (OG) tubes for various reasons. NG tubes offer several advantages in terms of ease of insertion, patient comfort, and reduced risk of complications.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the reasons why medical professionals lean towards NG tubes and explore the specific benefits they provide. By understanding the advantages of NG tubes, we can gain valuable insights into their importance in medical practice and the positive impact they have on patient care. Let’s get started.
Advantages of NG Tubes Over OG Tubes
Reduced risk of aspiration
One of the major advantages of nasogastric (NG) tubes over orogastric (OG) tubes is that NG tubes are less likely to cause aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents, including food or liquids, enter the lungs. NG tubes are inserted through the nose and go straight into the stomach, reducing the risk of aspiration compared to OG tubes, which are inserted through the mouth.
Easier insertion
Inserting an NG tube is generally easier and less invasive than inserting an OG tube. The nasal passage is often more accessible and less sensitive than the oral cavity, making the insertion process more comfortable for patients. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have difficulty opening their mouths or have oral conditions that make OG tube insertion challenging.
Improved patient comfort
NG tubes are generally considered more comfortable for patients compared to OG tubes. The nasal passage is naturally designed to tolerate foreign objects, and patients often find the sensation of an NG tube more tolerable than an OG tube. This can lead to improved patient compliance and reduced discomfort during feeding or medication administration.
Reduced risk of trauma
OG tubes can potentially cause trauma to the mouth, throat, and esophagus during insertion or removal. In contrast, NG tubes are less likely to cause such trauma as they bypass these areas. This can be especially advantageous for patients with sensitive oral tissues or those at a higher risk of bleeding or injury.
Flexibility in tube length
NG tubes can be inserted to varying depths depending on the patient’s needs, allowing for more flexibility in feeding or medication administration. This can be particularly useful for patients with specific anatomical considerations or those who require long-term tube feeding.
Enhanced patient mobility
NG tubes are generally less obstructive and allow for greater patient mobility compared to OG tubes. Patients with NG tubes can sit up, move around, and engage in activities more comfortably, which can contribute to a better quality of life during the tube feeding period.
Easier tube maintenance
NG tubes are typically easier to maintain and manage compared to OG tubes. They can be easily secured with tape or other methods to prevent accidental dislodgment, and cleaning or changing the tube is often simpler due to its external position. This can save time and effort for healthcare providers and caregivers responsible for tube care.
Testing for Proper Tube Placement
To test for proper NG (Nasogastric) and OG (Orogastric) tube placement, healthcare professionals typically rely on several methods, including x-rays and the use of specialized indicators such as the RightSpotpH® Indicator from Right BioMetrics.
X-Rays
Medical facilities commonly use X-rays to confirm the accurate placement of NG and OG tubes. This method involves taking a radiograph to visualize the location of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract. A radiologist or a trained healthcare professional can interpret the x-ray images to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned.
RightSpotpH® Indicator
The RightSpotpH® Indicator is a device designed to help verify the proper placement of an NG or OG tube by measuring the pH level of the aspirate obtained from the tube. The pH level of gastric fluid is typically acidic (pH less than 5), indicating that the tube is correctly placed in the stomach. However, if the pH level is neutral or alkaline (pH greater than 6), it suggests that the tube may be misplaced in the respiratory tract or elsewhere.
RightSpotpH® Indicator Benefits
- Reduces the risk of complications and potential harm to patients by confirming that the feeding tube is correctly positioned in the stomach.
- Provides a quick and easy method for healthcare professionals to verify the correct placement of the feeding tube, saving time and minimizing the need to move the patient for additional tests or procedures.
- Helps healthcare providers avoid unnecessary tube repositioning or replacement, reducing patient discomfort and the potential for complications associated with repeated tube insertions.
- Enhances patient safety and improves the overall quality of care by ensuring accurate and reliable placement of feeding tubes, reducing the likelihood of adverse events or errors.
- Non-invasive and cost-effective method for verifying feeding tube placement, eliminating the need for more invasive procedures such as X-rays.
- -Valuable tool for healthcare professionals in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare, where the correct placement of feeding tubes is crucial for patient well-being.
- Can be easily incorporated into existing feeding tube placement protocols, providing an additional layer of safety and accuracy in the verification process.
- Helps improve patient outcomes by minimizing the risk of complications associated with incorrect tube placement, such as malnutrition, dehydration, or damage to surrounding tissues.
Final Thoughts
NG tubes offer several advantages for medical professionals and patients alike. They provide a reliable and effective method for administering medications, feeding, and decompression of the stomach. Compared to OG tubes, they have less complications and are more comfortable to the patient.
Proper tube placement is crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of enteral feeding. RightBio Metrics pH testing strip offers a valuable solution for verifying tube placement. By accurately assessing the pH level of gastric aspirate, healthcare professionals can confirm correct placement in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications associated with misplaced tubes. Learn more about the RightSpotpH® Indicator here.
