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. 2013 Jul 17;6(1):28.
doi: 10.1186/1865-1380-6-28.

Validation of the RightSpot™ device for determination of gastric pH during nasogastric tube placement

Charles R Lambert  1 , David Varlotta, Marjorie Posey, Jadie L Heberlein, Janice M Shirley
Affiliations

Validation of the RightSpot™ device for determination of gastric pH during nasogastric tube placement

Charles R Lambert et al. Int J Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Background: The RightSpotpH™ indicator is a new device designed to facilitate pH-based confirmation of nasogastric tube placement while minimizing exposure of the operator to nasogastric contents.

Study objectives: In vivo and in vitro validation of the RightSpotpH™ indicator.

Findings: Patients (23) undergoing general anesthesia had placement of a nasogastric tube and gastric pH electrode catheter following endotracheal intubation. Direct intragastric pH was recorded simultaneously with gastric aspirate pH using the RightSpotpH™ indicator as well as an external pH electrode. In vitro validation of the RightSpotpH™ indicator was performed using standard buffer solutions. Electrode catheter-determined intragastric pH was compared to the RightSpotpH™ indicator result (pH greater or less than 4.5) as was aspirate pH using an external pH electrode. The positive predictive value for the RightSpotpH™ indicator was 0.92 (95% CI 0.62-0.99) and negative predictive value was 1.0 (95% CI 0.48-1.0) when compared to the direct catheter intragastric pH determination. This corresponds to a sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.83. The positive predictive value for the RightSpotpH™ indicator was 1.0 (95% CI 0.29-0.99) and negative predictive value was 0.75 (95% CI 0.19-0.99) when compared to the external pH electrode determination of aspirate. This corresponds to a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 1.0. Blinded in vitro testing of 46 buffer solution samples of pH 2-7 yielded sensitivity and specificity for correct pH discrimination of 1.0 and 1.0.

Conclusions: The RightSpotpH™ indicator is sensitive and specific for determination of intragastric pH determination as less than or greater than 4.5 as commonly used for nasogastric tube placement.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The RightSpotpH™ indicator device connects to a standard nasogastric tube, allowing aspiration of fluid into a chamber containing pH-indicating paper that changes color for pH < 4.5.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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