What is a colonic transit examination?
A colonic transit study is an x-ray examination of the abdomen which demonstrates how long it takes for material to pass through your large bowel (transit). The purpose of the test is to demonstrate what may be causing your symptoms.
In the days prior to your appointment you will have been asked to take specific capsules that we have supplied at certain times. The capsules each contain markers which can be seen on x-ray images. The markers are inert and contain no medication. They will pass through your system without any effect.
It is important that you take the capsules as directed and attend for x-ray six days after taking the first capsule. The examination will be carried out by a radiographer. The image will then be evaluated by a radiologist or a specially trained radiographer.
We are a training hospital and a student may also be present during your examination, please inform a member of staff if this is unacceptable.
Please contact the appointments office before taking the capsules if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
How will the investigation be performed?
Once you have booked in at reception you will be taken to change
into a hospital gown. You will be required to lie on your back for the
examination to take place. An x-ray image of your abdomen will be
taken as you lie still.
The examination takes approximately 10 minutes.
Are there any risks?
All X-ray procedures involve exposures to radiation in varying
amounts. During the study you will have one or two abdominal
(tummy) X-rays which are kept to a minimum. The level of radiation is
very small and is equivalent to a few days of background radiation.
This is very unlikely to cause any health problems as background
radiation is all around us. Everyone is exposed to it as it comes from
soil, rocks and stones. A specialist has agreed the benefits of the
examination outweigh the risks from the radiation.
After your examination
Once complete you will be able to go home, and carry on with your
usual routine.
Your results
Details of your visit will be given to the consultant that referred you.
You will be contacted you in due course, usually within 3 weeks.
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Author Radiology X-Ray Department
Approved by Radiology Policy Review Group Meeting
Date of Publication 09/11/2023
Reference No PL/1266 (v2)
Review Date 01/11/2026
