Comparing ultrasound and chest X-ray for checking feeding tube placement in ICU patients

Investigate if Ultrasound is Comparable to Chest X-ray in Verification of Intensive Care Patients Enteral Feeding Tube Positioning in an Observational Study

Observational Norwegian University of Science and Technology · NCT06000384

This study is testing if ultrasound can check the placement of feeding tubes in ICU patients just as well as chest X-rays do.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorwegian University of Science and Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lillehammer, Innlandet)
Trial IDNCT06000384 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine if ultrasound is as effective as chest X-ray for verifying the positioning of enteral feeding tubes in intensive care patients. With around 4000 patients in Norway requiring ventilatory support annually, many will need enteral nutrition through feeding tubes, and timely verification of tube placement is crucial. The study will include 20-30 intensive care patients who have been prescribed an enteral feeding tube, with consent obtained from either the patient or their informal caregiver. The research will follow a structured four-step approach to assess the efficacy of ultrasound in this context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are intensive care patients who have been prescribed an enteral feeding tube by a medical physician.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable faster initiation of enteral nutrition for ICU patients, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, it remains to be seen if similar studies have demonstrated success in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Intensive care patient prescribed by a medical physician to have an enteral feeding tube

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years

Where this trial is running

Lillehammer, Innlandet

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intensive Care PatientIntensive care patientEnteral feeding tube
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.