Colonic Transit Study Information

What is a Colonic Transit Study?

A Colonic Transit Study is a test used to measure how quickly food moves through your colon (large bowel). It helps doctors understand how well your digestive system is working and whether stool is moving normally through the intestine.

This test is commonly used to investigate severe constipation, slow bowel motility, and other gastrointestinal conditions in both adults and children. By tracking the movement of small markers through your bowel, doctors can determine if there is a delay in any part of the colon.

The study involves swallowing special capsules that contain radio-opaque markers (tiny rings that can be seen on an X-ray). Their movement through the digestive system is monitored with an abdominal X-ray taken several days later.

How does the test work?

The test takes place over five days.

You will take six capsules over three days, and each capsule contains markers that are visible on X-ray. The capsules are labelled and colour-coded for each day to ensure they are taken in the correct order.

An abdominal X-ray will then be performed on Day 5, approximately 120 hours after the first capsules are taken, to see how many markers remain in your colon and where they are located.

This information helps your doctor assess how quickly waste moves through your bowel and whether there is delayed transit in certain areas of the colon.

Important Instructions

Please follow these instructions carefully. Timing is very important to ensure accurate results.

Take the capsules at the same time each day, preferably in the morning with breakfast.
Continue to eat and drink normally during the test.
Do not take laxatives during the study, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Laxatives may be resumed after your appointment with your consultant.
Record the time and number of capsules taken each day as this will help your doctor interpret the results.

You will be given a box containing six capsules labelled for each day of the test.

Test Schedule

Day 1

Take two capsules labelled “1” in the morning with breakfast.

Day 2

Take two capsules labelled “2” in the morning with breakfast.

Day 3

Take two capsules labelled “3” in the morning with breakfast.

Day 4

No capsules are taken.

Day 5

Attend your booked appointment in the Imaging Department for a Colonic Transit Study X-ray (abdominal X-ray).

This X-ray is performed approximately 120 hours after the first capsules were taken and allows doctors to see where the markers are within your colon.

For Children or Patients with Swallowing Difficulties

If swallowing capsules is difficult, the capsules may be opened and the markers mixed with soft food.

Suitable foods include:

Yoghurt
Jelly
Pudding
Other soft, easy-to-swallow foods

Ensure that all markers are swallowed.

Additional Information

Recording your doses

Please write down:

The time each capsule was taken
The number of capsules taken

This information helps your doctor interpret the results accurately.

Vegetarian or Vegan Patients

The capsule shells contain gelatin, which is derived from animal sources.

Pregnancy

If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform both:

The Imaging Department
Your consultant

X-ray radiation may be harmful to an unborn baby, and the test may need to be postponed.

Follow-Up Appointment

If you have a face-to-face follow-up appointment with Professor Rawat, this should take place before your outpatient appointment, so the results of your study can be reviewed and discussed.