Heidelberg Testing assesses stomach acid levels at rest, as well as the functional capacity of parietal cells (i.e., the cells in your stomach that produce acid) when they are “challenged” to produce more stomach acid by meals. The testing involves swallowing a small capsule the size of a multivitamin that remains tethered in your stomach by a medical grade silk thread. This capsule communicates the pH of your stomach via radiotelemetry to a nearby computer.

Testing can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the physiology of your stomach and the types of testing ordered by your physician. Following testing, the capsule is removed from your stomach and back up through your esophagus. Most patients report that this process feels odd, but is not typically painful.

Heidelberg pH testing has been in use for many years but is often not well-known, mostly due to lack of availability. We have offered Heidelberg pH testing at 8 Hearts for several years now with great success. Physicians often find this testing to be extremely beneficial in managing or clarifying a path for treatment. Our technicians are licensed and board-certified practitioners and highly trained in providing skillful and compassionate testing. We understand the need to provide a supportive environment to minimize understandable apprehension and stress prior to completing the test.