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What happens before the test?
This test is usually done in the Endoscopy Unit. If your child is already in the hospital, the test may be done on his or her hospital unit.
If your child is going to stay overnight, you must first register in the Admitting Department. Admitting is located on Main 1. Please arrive in Admitting 1 hour before the scheduled time of the test. It is important that you are on time. If you are late, the study may be canceled. Studies usually begin on time. However, sometimes there are delays.
If your child is going home after the procedure, go directly to the Endoscopy Unit in the Farley Building on the third floor. From the Main Lobby, take the stairs or glass elevator to the Farley Building. Take the Farley/Pavilion elevators to the third floor. Follow the signs for the Endoscopy Unit.
When you arrive at the Endoscopy Unit, a nurse will greet you and your child, explain the test, and answer your questions.
What happens during the test?
- The nurse will check your child's height to determine where to place the tube.
- The nurse will pass a tube through your child's nose into the stomach. You may stay with your child while the tube is passed.
- Infants and young children will be snuggled in a blanket to help them to feel secure and stay still while the tube is being passed.
- Older children, who are more likely to cooperate, may prefer to sit in a chair while the nurse passes the tube.
- Passing the tube may cause your child to cough, sneeze, or gag. This feeling will pass after the tube is taped in place. Once in place, the tube should not bother your child.
- Once the tube is taped in place, your child will have an x-ray to check the exact position of the tube. Depending on the x-ray results, the tube may have to be retaped.
- Special sleeves may be put on infants and small children to prevent them from bending their elbows and pulling out the tube.
- Younger patients are usually admitted to the hospital after the tube is inserted. Occasionally, older children can go home with the tube in place.
- You will be asked to write down what your child is doing while the tube is in place, such as eating, walking and coughing. Your child's nurse will explain exactly what needs to be written down to help with the study.
- The tube will be removed the next day by a member of the GI staff.
Removing the tube takes less than a minute and does not hurt. Some children cough or sneeze.
How will we be informed of the results?
When the tube is removed, the information in the recorder is put into a computer. A Children's GI doctor will interpret the results and give them to your child's primary doctor. Call your child's primary doctor one week after the study for the results.
When to call your child's doctor or nurse
If your child is sick 24 to 48 hours before the test is scheduled, call the GI/Endoscopy Unit at 617-355-6172 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ask to speak to one of the nurses.
If you have any questions about the test, call the above number.
For emergencies, you can call a GI doctor 24 hours a day. Call the hospital page operator at 617-355-6369, and ask for the GI fellow on call.
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