Point-of-care testing for nasogastric tube placement verification in neonates and children

Nasogastric (NG) tube feeding is common practice in hospitalised children and neonates to
facilitate nutrient intake and medication administration. However, tube misplacement is not
uncommon and is a significant issue as a tube misplaced into the lungs instead of the stomach
can be fatal. This has led the NHS to recently classify NG tube misplacement as a ‘never
event’. Children and neonates are at increased risk of misplacement compared with adults
because of their age, increased activity and non-purposeful movement of limbs or the head
and neck. ). To address misplacement issues, Ingenza have devised a novel, easy to use, low
cost point-of-care (PoC) test for confirmation of the safe placement of NG tubes in neonates
and children. An easy and reliable PoC test will allow ongoing verification of the location of
the device and its tip with accuracy. It will reduce harm occurring to children and neonate in
NG tube feeding. It will reduce exposure to X-ray radiation and avoid delays in initiating and
advancing enteral nutrition.