About
The background
aspHirate is for the semi-quantitative visual determination of pH in human gastric aspirate for the assessment of correct tube placement.
Results from an audit examining the viability of pH indicator strips on the market for nasogastric tube placement found participants made up to 11.15% errors reading the strips and reported anxiety in their use.
Study results supported the development of new pH indicator strips that are more usable and less likely to be misread. Which is where aspHirate came from.
The standards for testing
Before any liquid or feed is introduced into a nasogastric tube, confirmation that the tube tip is in the stomach, by pH testing or x-ray, must be completed.
Testing the pH of gastric aspirate to show pH ≤5.5 is the recommended first-line test to confirm correct placement of nasogastric tubes and reduce the risk of potentially fatal aspiration.
If you're interested in understanding the science behind pH indicator strips click here
Concept
What aspHirate achieves
Accuracy
The accuracy of the aspHirate pH Indicator strips is supported with independent test data.
SMTL (NHS Surgical Materials Test Laboratories) has completed testing on the aspHirate device as part of an NWSSP procurement programme, and the results will be available later this year.
Ease of use
With an improved colour chart, it's easier to read and distinguish the colours than ever before allowing for quicker and accurate readings.
Confidence
aspHirate pH Indicator strips are tested and calibrated using pH buffers that are traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). The pH buffers have also been checked using a NIST-calibrated pH meter. Independent testing performed by SMTL (NHS Surgical Materials Test Laboratory).
pH Indicator Strips
Product Code: 150.1
Graduation: ≤3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, ≥7.5
Key Features
- Easy to read at critical clinical decision values
- Accuracy supported with independent test data
- Adjusted to read water at pH 7
- Unique scale for accurate documentation
- Unique single scale printed lengthwise for ease of use
- Pictorial instructions alongside scale
- Unique 2 colour match
- Desiccant lid
How to use guide
- Place 2 –3 drops of the aspirate from the syringe on the each pad of the indicator strip
- Ensure each pad is completely wetted, allowing excess aspirate to run off the indicator strip onto an absorbent towel
- Wait for 30 seconds for the colour change to complete
- Compare the colours on the indicator strip with the colour chart on the vial
- Always use the vial the strip has been removed from
- The strip can be read for up to 5 minutes, discard after use
- Document as per local policy
