Confirming placement of NG tube

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The position of NG tubes are most accurately ascertained by x ray. A chest x ray should be done if there is any doubt about the tubes positioning or if there is suspicion that the tube has moved.

To confirm the placement of an NG tube on an x ray the NG should:
  1. Be in the midline
  2. Bisect the carina
  3. go through the diaphragm at the midline
  4. The tip should be below the diaphragm


Other signs that may help confirm an NG position include:
  • pH <4 higher="" in="" is="" li="" may="" ph="" pylorus="" suggest="" that="" the="" tube="">
  • Appearance of aspirate
  • checking for external length of tube
however none of these methods are accurate on their own.

Image from: 
http://images.radiopaedia.org/images/7107290/47372dc79ec0b6d24232c0c97d7eae_big_gallery.jpg
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/assessing-ng-tube-position-basic-1

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