Outpatient computer-based 32-hour esophageal pH studies teletransmitted to a central esophageal laboratory

Using a computer-based 32-hour esophageal pH system with a small patient-worn digital recording computer, outpatient studies are performed in the physiologic environment of the patient's workplace and home. Samples are taken at 15-s intervals, and the pH data stored in this computer are then fed into the main computer in the Central Esophageal Laboratory for analysis, scoring, printing out, and storage. Satellite esophageal laboratories located in regional hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices conduct pH studies by telecommunication, using antimony electrodes, a recording computer, and a modem to transmit data to the main computer for high-quality computer analysis. One main computer and associated personnel serve multiple satellite stations. This maintains patient-physician relationships and is highly cost-effective.