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Using pH testing to confirm nasogastric tube position
1Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
Nursing Times
|October 8, 2005
Summary
Hospitals in the UK now use pH paper for nasogastric tube (NGT) placement, replacing litmus paper per a 2004 MHRA directive. This article details one trust's successful implementation of this important safety change.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a directive in 2004.
- The directive mandated the use of pH paper for nasogastric tube (NGT) placement verification.
- Litmus paper was previously used but deemed less accurate for determining NGT position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation process of using pH paper for NGT placement.
- To ensure compliance with the MHRA directive within a UK hospital trust.
- To highlight the practical challenges and solutions in adopting new clinical guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of the MHRA directive and its implications for clinical practice.
- Development and execution of an implementation plan for pH paper use.
- Training of healthcare staff on the correct procedure for NGT placement testing using pH paper.
Main Results:
- Successful adoption of pH paper testing for NGT placement across the trust.
- Demonstrated compliance with the 2004 MHRA directive.
- Improved accuracy and reliability in confirming nasogastric tube position.
Conclusions:
- The transition from litmus to pH paper for NGT placement is feasible and essential for patient safety.
- Effective implementation strategies are key to successful adoption of regulatory directives.
- Adherence to updated guidelines enhances the quality of patient care and reduces risks associated with incorrect NGT placement.