Whole-gut transit study

For troublesome bowel problems such as constipation, this test investigates how long it takes for ingested content to pass through your bowel

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What is a colonic gut transit study?

This study investigates how long it takes for ingested content to pass through your bowel. It principally evaluates the function of your colon, which is the lower portion of your GI tract (gut).

To do this, we will have sent you five small capsules (which contain plastic markers) for you to ingest. You will come to our clinic to have an X-ray of your abdomen, taken around 4 days later. These markers will pass through your gut during this time, and any left in your bowel after 4 days will show up on the X-ray.

How it works

We will send you five small capsules (which contain plastic markers) for you to ingest.

You will come to our clinic to have an X-ray of your abdomen, taken around 4 days later.

These markers will pass through your gut during this time, and any left in your bowel after 4 days will show up on the X-ray.

Download the information leaflet

Preparing for your test

Before you test, there are some things we ask you to do, to ensure safety and accurate results. This includes stopping certain medication and fasting for a short period.

Please read our patient information leaflet for full details.

4 days before your test

We will send you five small capsules which need to be taken approximately four days (100 hours) prior to your appointment (take all in one go).

After ingesting the capsules:

You should not take any laxatives

(Fybogel, Lactulose, Movicol, Senna, Ex-Lax, Laxido etc.)

You should not take any motility agents

(Prucalopride, Linaclotide, Lubiprostone etc.)

Please do not use any suppositories or enemas (glycerine).

You may continue to take all other essential medication.

The day of your test

You do not need to fast or follow any special diets or medications before the appointment.

You cannot perform the test if you are pregnant.

Getting your test results

Following your test, your data will be analysed and results written up into a report by a member of the clinical team with in 24 hours.

The report will be sent to both you and your referring consultant/doctor, who will explain the results to you in a follow-up consultation.

Paying for your test

Self-paying: If you are paying for this test yourself and not through insurance, the cost will be £250.

This cost includes the colonic transit study, analysis and report.

Insurance coverage

If you have private medical insurance, most companies can cover this for you.

Got a question or want to find out more about our tests?

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