Using capnography to check if nasogastric tubes are placed correctly

Diagnostic Accuracy of Using Capnography in Verification of Nasogastric Tube Placement in Hospital Settings

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05817864

This study is testing if using capnography can help confirm that nasogastric tubes are placed correctly in adults in the hospital.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment390 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR)
Trial IDNCT05817864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of capnography in confirming the correct placement of nasogastric tubes in patients aged 18 and older. Participants will be recruited from various hospital wards, including general medical, geriatric, and intensive care units. The study will compare the results of capnography with established reference standards, such as pH measurement of aspirated gastric contents and X-ray imaging. The goal is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of capnography, as well as its cost-effectiveness and time efficiency in this diagnostic context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who require nasogastric tube insertion for medical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing life-saving interventions at the time of recruitment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of nasogastric tube placement, leading to improved patient safety and care.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of capnography in other contexts has shown promise, this specific application in nasogastric tube placement is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old or above;
* Admitted to the general medical and geriatric wards, ICUs, or subacute/rehabilitation/infirmary wards in subacute/convalescent/extended care hospitals or visiting AEDs in acute hospitals;
* Requiring the insertion of an nasogastric tube into the stomach for assessment, nutritional support and medication administration during the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants receiving life-saving intervention at the time of recruitment.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

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 CapnographyNasogastric TubeDiagnostic AccuracyIntubation, gastrointestinalDiagnostic accuracy
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.