Anemia test strip

pHHIVbiological

Product overview
pH test strips designed for bedside measurement to assist in verification of gastric tube placement. UK MHRA guidance (2004) recommends pH testing of aspirated gastric contents as a reliable bedside method to confirm stomach placement when acidic fluid is obtained.

Category
pH Test

Clinical significance
Fluid type | Mean pH
Pleural fluid | 7.6
Bronchial aspiration fluid | 7.4
Gastric fluid (mean) | 3.53 (range 1–4)
Small intestinal fluid (mean) | 6.99

Factors affecting pH

• Certain diseases can reduce gastric acid secretion (e.g., pernicious anaemia; decreased acid reported in some HIV patients).
• Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole, omeprazole) can raise gastric pH (commonly still below pH 6).
• Recent feeding or duodenal reflux into the stomach may elevate measured pH, particularly in critically ill patients.
• Post-gastrectomy patients: approximately 15% reported with gastric fluid pH >6 (Metheny et al., 1993).

Additional information
pH testing is a practical bedside method for verifying gastric tube position; results should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment and current therapies.

Specifications

• Product type: pH test strips
• Measurement range (product title): 2.0–9.0
• Primary intended use: verification of gastric tube placement and general pH screening of biological fluids
• Clinical reference values included: pleural fluid 7.6; bronchial aspiration 7.4; gastric fluid mean 3.53 (1–4); small intestinal fluid mean 6.99
• Known interfering factors: specific diseases, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., pantoprazole, omeprazole), recent feeding/duodenal reflux, prior gastrectomy (some patients may show pH >6)
• Clinical reference: Metheny et al., 1993; UK MHRA guidance, 2004