Ultrasonography for nasogastric tube placement verification: an additional reference

Abstract

Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is a common procedure performed by community nurses, but verifying correct placement can be challenging due to the limitations of conventional methods. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) for verifying NGT placement and to explore the feasibility of using this imaging modality as the first-line reference for NGT placement verification. The validity of the gastric aspirate pH test was also evaluated. This was a single-centre, retrospective, single-blind study using a convenience sample of patients who required NGT placement in home settings. POCUS was performed by a trained community nurse, and the pH test was performed after tube insertion. The results of the POCUS and pH test were compared. A total of 68 patients with a mean age of 82.13±9.43 years were included. The sensitivity and specificity were found to be 95.45% and 100%, respectively, for POCUS, and 90.91% and 100%, for the pH test. POCUS can provide accurate diagnostic imaging of nasogastric tube position and avoid X-ray controls. This imaging modality can complement pH testing in community settings where X-ray scans are not readily available.