The Sleep Center

Sleep Study with a pH Probe

If your child is scheduled for a sleep study with a pH probe, please arrive at CHOP by 3 p.m. on the scheduled day and go straight to the GI Suite, 7th floor main building.

 

If your child is presently on medications for GERD, please check with the sleep medicine physician or your referring doctor about which medications should be stopped before the sleep study.

What to expect

If a pH probe is ordered by your referring physician, it can be done in conjunction with the overnight sleep study. It is done to evaluate your child for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common finding in young children. Performing the pH probe during the sleep study can be useful information to your doctor about whether GERD is related to any sleep problems.

A pH probe is a small tube (about the size of a spaghetti noodle) which is inserted through one of the nostrils. This insertion is uncomfortable and your child may cry during this brief process, but once the probe is inserted, your child should feel only mild discomfort. After the probe is inserted, an X-ray will be performed to assure proper placement and your child will be able to eat or drink anything he chooses. Arm restraints may be necessary to prevent your child from pulling on the pH probe, usually only used with young children.

The pH probe will be inserted soon after arrival as long as your child has had nothing to eat or drink since 12 noon. Following the insertion of the pH probe, you and your child will go to Radiology so an x-ray may be taken. After the x-ray you and your child should go to the Sleep Center, which is located on the 2nd floor of the main building.

The sleep technicians will begin the set up for your child's sleep study, placing the equipment on your child a few hours before bedtime. The study will conclude between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. This set up includes the following:

  1. A "bandage" like sensor that measures your child's oxygen will be placed on the toe or finger.
  2. Small plastic prongs at the nose will measure your child's exhaled air.
  3. Elastic or cloth belts will be placed on your child's chest and stomach, usually over their night clothes.
  4. Stick-on electrodes are placed on your child's face and chest to measure eye movements, heart rate and muscle tone during sleep. A few additional electrodes are applied with a washable paste on your child's scalp to measure stages of sleep.

The placement of this equipment is painless but does involve approximately an hour of cooperation on the part of your child. To best prepare your child, keep napping to a minimum on the day of the study. We encourage you to bring any toys, stuffed animals or other items that will assist us in helping your child feel more comfortable.

Medications

Please remember to bring all medications that your child is presently taking, respiratory and G-tube equipment and CPAP and BiPAP units with all masks being used.

These medications are usually not given to a child for two days before the study: ZANTAC, PRILOSEC, PREVACID, TAGAMET and PEPCID. You should check with your sleep doctor or referring doctor regarding reflux medications prior to the sleep study.

Staying overnight

One parent must stay overnight with your child. If you have any concerns regarding these recommendations, please call 215-590-3703.

Cancellations

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call 215-590-3703 as soon as possible so we may offer your spot to another patient.

Referrals

Please bring this with you if you require a referral.

  • Print
  • Share

Contact Us