Device safety informationMHRA
NGPod pH testing device safety warning over a safety concern
The NGPod handheld device and NGPod sensor, used to test pH to aid the placement of nasogastric tubes, is being withdrawn from the UK market. The manufacturer has ceased trading in the UK. Users should quarantine all remaining stock and dispose of all NGPod devices.
What to do now
Users of NGPod pH testing device are asked to act on new safety information.
- If you use this device at home, do not stop treatment without speaking to the team who supplied it.
- Compare the details on the device or its box with the list here.
- Report problems with medical devices to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Why it matters. Device safety information tells healthcare staff and, where relevant, patients about risks and the actions needed.
Replacements and support
Device safety notices are mainly aimed at hospitals, clinics and suppliers, who are told how to replace, update or check affected devices.
If you use the device at home, the team or company that supplied it is responsible for any replacement or correction.
From the official notice
Published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (DSI/2026/009). Quoted as issued.
Summary
The NGPod handheld device and NGPod sensor, used to test pH to aid the placement of nasogastric tubes, is being withdrawn from the UK market. The manufacturer has ceased trading in the UK. Users should quarantine all remaining stock and dispose of all NGPod devices.
The risk
Summary The NGPod handheld device and NGPod sensor, used to test pH to aid the placement of nasogastric tubes, is being withdrawn from the UK market. The manufacturer has ceased trading in the UK and cannot support continued use of the product. Users should quarantine all remaining stock and dispose of all NGPod devices. While the cessation of trading is not directly related to a current safety concern, a Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) was initiated earlier this year, due to two UK adverse incident reports, including one with a fatal outcome. In these instances, the device provided a green result, indicating contact with acidic pH, suggesting that the nasogastric tube was correctly placed when, in fact, it was found in the lung.
Advice for healthcare professionals
The NGPod handheld device and NGPod sensor, used to test pH to aid the placement of nasogastric tubes, is being withdrawn from the UK market. The manufacturer has ceased trading in the UK and cannot support continued use of the product. Users should quarantine all remaining stock and dispose of all NGPod devices.
While the cessation of trading is not directly related to a current safety concern, a Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) was initiated earlier this year, due to two UK adverse incident reports, including one with a fatal outcome. In these instances, the device provided a green result, indicating contact with acidic pH, suggesting that the nasogastric tube was correctly placed when, in fact, it was found in the lung.
The Field Safety Notice (FSN) provides further details and should be read in conjunction with this Device Safety Information (DSI).
stop use of the NGPod handheld device and sensor immediately
identify, quarantine and dispose of all NGPod devices, as the manufacturer is unable to accept device returns
return the FSN acknowledgement form to the manufacturer
use alternate pH testing methods to inform placement of nasogastric tubes, in line with local and national guidelines. pH testing methods should be CE-marked and intended by the manufacturer to test human gastric aspirate
review local stocks of alternative pH testing devices to ensure continuity of care
report any suspected or actual adverse incidents involving these devices. There are specific reporting arrangements for healthcare professionals to follow in each region
Healthcare professionals should report incidents:
in England and Wales to the Yellow Card scheme or via the Yellow Card app
in Scotland to Incident Reporting & Investigation Centre (IRIC) and their local incident recording system
Advice for patients
there is no advice for healthcare professionals to provide to patients regarding this DSI as this DSI requires action by healthcare professionals only
Open the MHRA notice
Questions
Why has NGPod pH testing device been recalled?
Users of NGPod pH testing device are asked to act on new safety information. Device safety information tells healthcare staff and, where relevant, patients about risks and the actions needed.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
If you use this device at home, do not stop treatment without speaking to the team who supplied it. Compare the details on the device or its box with the list here.
Who replaces the device?
Device safety notices are mainly aimed at hospitals, clinics and suppliers, who are told how to replace, update or check affected devices. If you use the device at home, the team or company that supplied it is responsible for any replacement or correction.