Esophagus Tests

Bernstein Test

What Affects the Test

Factors that can interfere with your test or the accuracy of the results include:

• Medicines used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as antacids (Tums or Rolaids), acid reducers (Axid, Pepcid, or Zantac), or proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Losec, Nexium).
• Medicines used to treat asthma and emphysema, especially theophylline.
• Medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, muscle spasms in the bladder and intestines, and some eye problems.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Heart and blood pressure medicines, such as calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and beta-blockers.
• Medicines that act on the nervous system, such as anti-anxiety medicines, anesthetics, and narcotics.
• Smoking or drinking alcohol within 24 hours of the test.
• Eating or drinking within 8 hours of the test.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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