Radiology
Your consultant has requested that you attend for a colonic transit examination. This leaflet is designed to explain what the examination involves. The examination will be carried out in the x-ray department at The James Cook University Hospital.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately to rearrange. This will allow us to use the appointment for another patient.
What is the test for?
You will have been sent some capsules to swallow at specific times that allow us to see how quickly or slowly your large bowel is working.
Preparation for the test
You must stop taking laxatives three days before taking your capsules. This will make sure that the best results are obtained and the examination will not need to be repeated.
You must stop taking your laxative medication on:
| on: |
We have enclosed some capsules for you to swallow. Please follow the following instructions.
| Day one: |
You will need to swallow the two capsules labelled number 1 after your breakfast.
| Day two: |
You will need to swallow the two capsules labelled number 2 after your breakfast.
| Day three: |
You will need to swallow the two capsules labelled number 3 after your breakfast.
Children: for smaller children, who are unable to swallow capsules whole, it is an option to carefully open the capsule containing 10 markers in each and put them into a yoghurt or custard. Please ensure all markers are eaten.
| On day six: |
You must attend your nominated xray department (please refer to your appointment letter), on day 6 at your appointment time for your abdomen xray.
After the examination
You can return to taking your laxatives or stool softener as normal.
Results of the test
You will not be given the result straight away. The report will be sent to the referring doctor, which is normally less than 14 days.
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients with ovaries, between the ages of 12 and 55, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
Please contact the x-ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond the ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 1 to 2 years of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 1000 – Low.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639 (Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]