No special preparation is needed before a colonic transit study. Just stick to your regular diet, but avoid taking laxatives, doing colonic washouts, or using suppositories for the 5 days leading up to the test.

When you schedule your appointment, you'll receive a capsule with 24 radiopaque polyvinyl chloride O-rings that show up on x-ray images.

On the a day of your choosing (day 0), swallow the capsule. The next day is day 1, and on day 5, attend our clinic for an abdominal x-ray.

Before the test, you'll be given a consent form. This form explains the preparation, procedure, possible complications, and aftercare. Take your time to read through it, ask any questions you may have, and only proceed with the test if you're comfortable – you'll need to sign the consent form as the final step.

The x-ray is a quick and painless test. It only takes a few minutes, but please allow enough time to be in the department for 30 minutes.

The radiographer calls you into the x-ray room and asks you to lie flat on your back on the table, and as series of x-ray images of your abdomen will be taken.

You can continue any laxative medicines that you have stopped for the test. 

The Radiologist will review the images and provide a written report to your referring doctor.