Colonic Transit Study

This study looks at the transit of a liquid through your bowel over 5 days. One of our friendly staff will contact you before your appointment to discuss the preparation for the test as well as any medication you are currently taking. If possible, we will also email you an information sheet for you to fill in and bring with you.

For a colonic transit study you may have a light breakfast before your appointment. You will be asked to drink a glass of water to which a small amount of a radioactive tracer has been added. Side effects from the drink are extremely rare and it is a very safe procedure.

You will then be asked to return 6 hours later (there are no restrictions on what you can do) for a picture which will take 10 minutes and you will need to lay on a bed, relax and keep very still. The 10 minute picture is then repeated over the remainder of the week in the morning.

After your scan you are free to go and there are no restrictions on what you can do. You must tell us if there is any chance you are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding. The pictures will be read by one of our specialist doctors and the findings will be sent directly to your doctor.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask our friendly staff who will be happy to answer them.