Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory

Dr Magnus Halland operates the only private GI Physiology Laboratory in Newcastle and the Hunter region. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art high-resolution equipment comparable to the systems used at Mayo Clinic in the United States.

Dr Halland has subspecialty fellowship training and extensive experience in oesophageal and gastrointestinal motility disorders, including the interpretation of complex motility and reflux studies.

Oesophageal Manometry (HRM)

Newcastle Gastroenterology is the only private clinic offering oesophageal manometry in the Hunter region.

Oesophageal manometry, also known as high-resolution oesophageal manometry, is a swallowing test that uses a thin manometry catheter passed through the nose and into the oesophagus, or food pipe.

The test measures how well the oesophagus and its muscles are working. It helps diagnose conditions affecting oesophageal movement, also known as peristalsis.

Oesophageal manometry is used to evaluate patients with:

• The need for accurate placement of catheter-based pH testing
• Swallowing difficulties
• Suspected oesophageal motility disorders
• Non-cardiac chest pain
• Symptoms requiring assessment before foregut surgery

Ambulatory catheter-based pH-impedance study

An ambulatory pH-impedance study is used to evaluate oesophageal reflux and assist in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, also known as GORD.

The test can help identify oesophageal causes of chest pain, throat symptoms, and persistent reflux symptoms. It can also assess whether medical therapy is adequately controlling reflux.

The amount of reflux in the oesophagus is monitored over 24 hours using a thin catheter placed through the nose and into the oesophagus. This test is usually performed in conjunction with oesophageal manometry.

Ambulatory wireless pH testing – BRAVO

The BRAVO test uses a small wireless pH capsule that is placed during upper endoscopy. It provides prolonged reflux and symptom monitoring, usually over 48–96 hours.

After the monitoring period, the patient returns the recording device for analysis. No procedure is required to remove the capsule, as it passes naturally through the digestive tract.

Many patients find catheter-free testing more comfortable than catheter-based testing, although the out-of-pocket cost may be higher.

Refer a Patient

To refer a patient to the Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory please complete the following form:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Patient Name *

First

Last

Patient Email *

Patient Address *

Patient Phone *

Patient DOB *

Referral is for:

• High-resolution oesophageal manometry (HRIM)
• High-resolution oesophageal manometry AND 24-hour pH-impedance study OFF THERAPY
• High-resolution oesophageal manometry AND 24-hour pH-impedance study ON THERAPY
• BRAVO pH test: Wireless 72-96-hour pH test placed endoscopically – requires consultation with Dr. Halland pre-procedure

Test Indication:

Referrring Doctor Name *

Provider Number *

Email *

A copy of your referral form will be emailed to this address

Phone *

Fax

Signature (please type referrer name to sign) *

Date *

Submit