Esophageal String Testing
An innovative minimally invasive test called an esophageal string test (EST) can be done to examine the upper digestive tract for children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This groundbreaking test, available at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, does not require any anesthesia and can be done in an outpatient clinic visit in about one hour. Nationwide Children’s is the first pediatric hospital in the Midwest to offer this innovative and less invasive testing.
What Is Esophageal String Testing?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a long-term (chronic) illness where white blood cells called eosinophils build up in the food pipe or esophagus. This leads to inflammation which can result in difficulty swallowing or food getting caught in the esophagus. Children diagnosed with EoE need regular follow-up visits with a pediatric gastroenterologist to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Monitoring of disease activity in patients with EoE requires an upper endoscopy. This procedure requires anesthesia, preparation ahead of the procedure, recovery time and missed work/school.
Now, patients may be monitored using minimally invasive tests, like transnasal endoscopy or esophageal string testing. These tests are much faster, less invasive and are completed while the child is awake. With the string test, there’s no fasting or anesthesia involved and kids can get back to their usual activities the same day. There is no recovery time.
Esophageal string testing involves:
- Swallowing a capsule: Your child swallows a small capsule attached to a thin string allowing the string to unravel. The other end of the string is taped in place on the cheek.
- Collecting samples: The capsule dissolves in the stomach. The string stays in place for about an hour and collects esophageal secretions from the lining of the esophagus. Your child can play a game, read a book or watch a show while they wait.
- Removing the string: After an hour, the string is gently pulled out. The collected sample is sent to a lab.
- Results: Your health care provider will reach out with your test results within 1-2 weeks to determine next steps.
Who Can Undergo Esophageal String Testing?
The esophageal string test is a simple and minimally invasive procedure that can be used instead of an endoscopy in managing pediatric EoE. Your doctor will help decide if this is the right test for you. Candidates for esophageal string testing can be used for EoE patients who:
- Established diagnosis of EoE
- Can swallow the string capsule
- Prefer another option to endoscopic procedures
Why Choose Nationwide Children's for Esophageal String Testing?
Nationwide Children’s is ranked among the top 10 Best Children’s Hospital for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Many of our diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, such as transnasal endoscopy and esophageal string testing are some of the most advanced in the world.
The Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Program at Nationwide Children’s provides expert diagnosis and care for children and adolescents with EoE and can help you determine if esophageal string testing is right for your child. If you are already a Nationwide Children’s GI patient, please reach out to your child’s pediatric gastroenterologist.
