title: Comparing bedside methods of determining placement of gastric tubes in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and predictive validity of pH, bilirubin, and CO2 in identifying gastric tube placement errors in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  After the tube was inserted into 276 children, the CO2 monitor reading was obtained. Fluid was then aspirated to test pH and bilirubin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lack of ability to obtain tube aspirate was the best predictor of NG/OG placement errors with a sensitivity of 34.9% and a positive predictive value of 66.7%. Measuring pH, bilirubin, and CO2 of tube aspirate was less helpful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare providers should suspect NG/OG tube misplacement when no fluid is aspirated.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Marsha L Cirgin
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ellett
authors.forename: Mervyn D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Joseph M B
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Croffie
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Joan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Perkins
mesh_terms: D001663:Bilirubin / Q000378:metabolism; D001826:Body Fluids; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D019300:Medical Errors; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001663:Bilirubin
keywords: Bilirubin; CO2 monitoring; child; nasogastric tube; pH