pH INDICATOR MODULE FOR GASTRIC TUBES

A method of using a pH indicator module to measure a pH value of an aspirated fluid, wherein the pH indicator module is configured to attach on a proximal module end to a suction mechanism and on a distal module end to a proximal tube end of an aspiration tube, and to be used during aspirating the aspirated fluid drawn by the suction mechanism from a location of a distal tube end of the aspiration tube, the method comprising:

• providing a barrel connector included in the pH indicator module, the barrel connector configured to attach to the aspiration tube, wherein the barrel connector forms an inner passageway, and wherein the passageway is located in a direct flow path of the aspirated fluid when the pH indicator module is used;
• providing a pH indicator material inserted in the passageway, wherein the pH indicator material is configured to come into contact with a direct flow of the aspirated fluid drawn into the passageway to determine a pH value of the aspirated fluid;
• and
• providing a cap portion included in the pH indicator module, wherein the cap portion is configured to attach to the suction mechanism on a proximal cap end and to attach to a proximal barrel end of the barrel connector on a distal cap end;
• attaching a distal barrel end of the barrel connector to the aspiration tube;
• drawing a fluid into the passageway using the suction mechanism;
• and
• observing a color of the pH indicator material after contacting the fluid.

A pH indicator module comprising:

• a proximal end configured to attach to a suction mechanism;
• a distal end configured to attach to a an aspiration tube;
• a barrel connector including a wall that forms both an outer surface of said barrel connector and an inner passageway, wherein during use the passageway is located in a direct flow path of the aspirated fluid;
• and
• a pH indicator material placed in the inner passageway, wherein during use the pH indicator material is configured to come into contact with a direct flow of the aspirated fluid drawn into the passageway to determine a pH value of the aspirated fluid.