Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

The string test for gastroesophageal reflux

W M Liebman, P Rosenthal

    American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    The string test effectively screens for gastroesophageal reflux in children. This simple method shows promise for diagnosing reflux in pediatric patients presenting with vomiting or respiratory issues.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Diagnostic Testing

    Background:

    • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants and children.
    • Vomiting, regurgitation, and lower respiratory symptoms can indicate GER.
    • Accurate diagnostic tools are crucial for timely intervention.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the sensitivity of the string test for detecting gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric patients.
    • To compare the string test's performance against established diagnostic methods.

    Main Methods:

    • The study included 15 pediatric patients (5 months to 11 years) with symptoms suggestive of GER.
    • Diagnostic methods employed were the string test, barium esophagram, esophageal manometry, and acid reflux (pH probe) test.
    • Sensitivity was compared across all tested methods.

    Main Results:

    • The barium esophagram detected reflux in 4/15 patients.
    • The pH probe identified reflux in 7/15 patients.
    • The string test demonstrated reflux in 6/15 patients, showing comparable sensitivity to the pH probe.

    Conclusions:

    • The string test is a sensitive and reliable method for screening pediatric gastroesophageal reflux.
    • Its simplicity, speed, and safety make it an efficient tool for initial diagnosis.
    • The string test aids in identifying children requiring further investigation for GER.

    More Related Videos

    Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver08:25

    Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver

    Published on: August 27, 2021

    Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance06:40

    Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance

    Published on: July 28, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
    Clinical Manifestations
    GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
    Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

    Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

    Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
    Etiology
    The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
    Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

    Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

    Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
    Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
    Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

    Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

    Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
    Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
    Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

    Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

    An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
    During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
    Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow01:24

    Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow

    The Barium Swallow Study, or a Barium Esophagogram, is a diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It employs barium sulfate, a radiopaque contrast material, to provide clear images of the upper digestive system, helping to identify abnormalities, diseases, or structural issues.
    Purpose and Procedure
    Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...