Esophagus Tests

Bernstein Test

How To Prepare

To prepare for an esophagus test:

• Do not take antacids (such as Tums or Rolaids) or acid reducers (such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, or Zantac) for 24 hours before the test unless the test is being done to evaluate the effectiveness of these medicines.
• Stop taking other medicines—such as the proton pump inhibitors lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)—before testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 24 hours before the test.
• Do not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before testing.
• Tell your doctor if you have any other problems, such as enlarged esophageal blood vessels (esophageal varices), heart failure, or other heart conditions.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 30, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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