A Bravo Reflux Test: Settle MRI and Recording Plans Before Booking

Tell your GI and MRI teams about planned or recent Bravo capsule placement before an MRI is arranged. UCLH’s October 2026 information says not to have MRI for 30 days after the procedure. Obtain individual clearance from the clinical teams; do not assume the capsule has passed.¹

Confirm which test is being planned

Bravo uses a capsule placed in the food pipe during gastroscopy to measure acid reflux. It sends information to a receiver. UCLH describes recording symptoms, meals and lying down with buttons and a paper diary.¹

• Ask whether your appointment is for Bravo and what question the recording should answer.
• Confirm how long your own recording lasts and when equipment must be returned.
• Ask the team to teach you how to use its receiver and diary before you leave.

If you are worried about fitting the recording into work or meals away from home, raise that before the appointment. Request instructions you can follow in those settings.

Share the history that affects the booking

UCLH asks patients to report nickel allergy, a pacemaker, bleeding problems, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel surgery or intestinal narrowing because these can affect the assessment or procedure.¹

• Tell the booking team which of these applies to you and ask what information it needs.
• Bring details of earlier procedures or devices if requested.
• Ask whether another assessment is needed before a date is agreed.

Do not use a general checklist to decide whether you can have the test. Let the clinical team assess your history and explain its recommendation.

Get your own preparation and support instructions

UCLH provides medication and fasting instructions and asks patients taking blood thinners to obtain specific advice. Its sedation arrangements include someone taking you home and staying overnight.¹

• Confirm food, drink and medication instructions directly with your service.
• Share your full medicine list and ask the team to resolve conflicting directions before changing anything.
• Ask which transport, accompanying-person and activity restrictions apply to your appointment.
• Keep the contact details with the preparation sheet so you can ask about anything unclear.

Agree on the recording and result handover

• Check that you can explain the diary and receiver instructions back to the team.
• Write down where and when to return the equipment and whom to contact if a recording problem occurs.
• Confirm who will interpret the result and how the follow-up discussion will be arranged.
• Keep the MRI precaution and any other specific instructions with the test paperwork.

Bloated by Dinner includes a Belly Clock log and a visit script. Use them to organize your questions before the test; complete the testing service’s own recording diary as instructed. Explore the digestion playbook.