Our services
Reflux Testing
Our patented and exclusive Gastroesophageal Reflux Test accurately detects the presence and determines the extent and severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What is Reflux?
What is the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test?
Our patented and exclusive Gastroesophageal Reflux Test accurately detects the presence and determines the extent and severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The first of it’s kind, this non-invasive nuclear medicine imaging technique precisely identifies contamination of reflux fluid throughout the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs.
This is a simple scintigraphic study which visualises in real time backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus, head, neck and lungs. This is the first test which has been able to see reflux in the head and neck structures.
The test itself is very simple, a small amount of a radioactive tracer is swallowed diluted in water it is both odourless and tasteless. The path of the water is then imaged by the scan in real time in an upright and lying position. 90 minutes later detailed 360- degree images are performed of the head, neck, and lung regions. This provides both functional and structural information called SPECT/CT.
This is the first medical test that allows us to visualise the refluxed fluid in sites that have been suspected of being injured by reflux.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
On the day
The test is performed in two stages.
Stage One
Upon arrival to clinic, the Nuclear Medicine technician will give you an over-the-counter antacid (GastroGel, Gaviscon, or equivalent) followed by some water with a small dose of Technetium (the tracer).
Dynamic images will then be taken from the mouth down to the stomach in the upright position and with you lying down. These images are then analysed with special software to indicate the frequency and amplitude of reflux contaminating the upper oesophagus and pharynx/laryngopharynx.
Stage Two
Following a 90-minute break, a further 25 minutes of imaging will commence. A study of the head, neck and chest will be performed to detect any aspiration of refluxate into the head and neck structures (including the laryngopharynx) and lungs.
After your appointment
After your procedure our team will be in touch with your referring doctor to discuss the outcome of the procedure. Your referring doctor will contact you to follow up after your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your GP or specialist may refer you for this test to investigate if reflux could be the cause of, or contributing to, one or more of the following conditions:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Throat clearing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Recurrent chest, throat and/or ear infections
- Sinusitis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep
The indications for the test are basically any chronic atypical symptoms, consistent with those of ‘silent reflux’, and for which an alternate explanation cannot be found.
Silent reflux is quite common and affects approximately 40 to 50% of patients who have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It is referred to as ‘silent reflux’ because it does not present with the classical symptoms of reflux, being heartburn, lump in the throat and regurgitation. There is in fact nothing silent about the symptomatology which is often called atypical. These symptoms range from chronic cough, recurrent sore throats, loss of voice, persistent throat clearing, chest pain, choking, wheezing and shortness of breath.
This test is not advocated for diagnosing simple reflux which presents with classic and obvious symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, as this can be managed clinically without testing.
- Your original referral or request form
- Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards
- Previous relevant imaging
Please allow up to 3 hours.
Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.
