Amber test

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The Bernstein test (named after the American doctor Lionel Bernstein ), also known as the acid perfusion test , is an examination method for detecting gastro-oesophageal reflux, i.e. the backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus . The sensitivity of the esophagus is tested by introducing acids of different concentration.

background

The causes of heartburn can be diverse and manifest themselves through different complaints:

Most of the time, symptoms of reflux disease are the underlying cause. This leads to a pathological flow of the acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus (esophagus) and consequently to irritation of the mucous membrane. The reason for this is often in a weak sphincter ( sphincter ) between the esophagus and the stomach. Other causes such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or a diaphragmatic hernia can also lead to heartburn. However, it is not possible to find these triggers using the acid perfusion test. The Bernstein test is designed to show how sensitive the esophageal mucous membrane is to acid.

procedure

The patient should not take reflux medication for 24 hours prior to the exam. In addition, the examination is carried out on an empty stomach, so it makes sense to refrain from eating and drinking 12 hours before the test. After inserting a small probe through the nose into the esophagus, the patient is given alternately a saline solution and a weak hydrochloric acid solution through the probe. The patient does not find out which solution is being tested in order not to falsify the result. The acid perfusion test takes about an hour.

evaluation

If symptoms arise during the amber test, it is important to evaluate the point in time. The examination turns out negative if the patient has not felt a burning sensation in the chest either with the saline or the weak hydrochloric acid solution. As a result, the affected person does not suffer from any reflux disease. If the complaints only occur when the hydrochloric acid solution is given, there is talk of a positive result of the acid perfusion test. The esophagus is very sensitive in this case, which is an indication of reflux disease. If complaints are noticed with both solutions, further investigations must be carried out.

Complications

Various complications can arise during the examination:

Lingering damage or injuries are not to be feared.

literature

  • Christoph Eydt, / Dr. Roman Machens: Generation Heartburn: A people bursts open . CBX Verlag, 2015.
  • Rinzler, Carol Ann / DeVault, Ken. Relieve Heartburn and Reflux - For Dummies . WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2014, p. 141.
  • Volker Schumpelick et al .: Short textbook on surgery . Thieme Verlag, 2006, p. 451.

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