Colorimetric capnography to ensure correct nasogastric tube position.

Purpose: We evaluate a procedure, combining colorimetric capnography with epigastric auscultation, to ensure nasogastric (NG) feeding tube correct position without any radiograph.

Methods: We first evaluated the accuracy of colorimetric capnography in detecting tracheal positioning in a control group of 100 mechanically ventilated patients. The procedure was thereafter evaluated in a study group including patients requiring an NG tube. The NG tube was first inserted 30 cm and connected to a colorimetric capnograph (first step). If the capnograph did not detect carbon dioxide, insertion was completed to a total distance of 50 cm. An epigastric auscultation after air insufflation and a second capnography (second step) were performed. A radiograph evaluated correct tube position.

Results: In the control group, colorimetric capnograph sensitivity to detect tracheal placement was 100%. In the study group, negative predictive value of first-step capnography to rule out tracheobronchial insertion was 100%. The association of a first-step negative capnography with a positive epigastric auscultation correctly identified all but one gastric insertions, yielding a sensitivity of 98.5% (95% confidence interval, 95.7-100). The positive predictive value of this association to detect gastric placement was 100%.

Conclusion: Colorimetric capnography combined with epigastric auscultation is safe and accurate in ensuring correct gastric tube insertion.