Colonic Transit Study
Colonic Transit Study
Patient Information
Radiology Department
- Author ID: SO
- Leaflet Ref: Rad 024
- Version: 5
- Leaflet title: Colonic Transit Study
- Last review: February 2026
- Expiry Date: February 2028
Introduction
A colonic transit study is a special examination that assesses how quickly material moves through your large bowel (or colon). You will be required to swallow a single capsule, and then attend the hospital for an abdominal X-Ray.
Please note – you must inform us prior to taking the capsule if there is any chance of you being pregnant (01942 822398).
If you are aged between 12 – 55 years, then you will be asked to complete a pregnancy questionnaire including the date of your last period.
The capsule contains small polyurethane markers which show up on X-Ray. This will enable the reporting doctor (Radiologist) to assess the function of your bowel. There are no known side effects from taking this capsule.
You should not be at the hospital for any considerable amount of time, please allow around 30 minutes.
Procedure
FRIDAY – If you routinely take laxatives or bulking medication, please stop taking them on the Friday before your X-Ray. Continue to eat and drink as normal.
SUNDAY – Take the capsule at 9am with breakfast. Continue to eat and drink as normal.
WEDNESDAY – Attend the hospital’s main X-Ray Department at 9am for an abdominal X-Ray. When you have had your X-Ray, the Radiographer will inform you if you need to return or not for one more abdominal X-Ray on Friday.
FRIDAY – If you have been asked to return for a final abdominal X-Ray then please do so at 9am.
Your examination is now complete. You can re-commence any laxative or bulking medication that you have stopped for the examination.
Risks
There is no known risk or side effects to having this examination.
Radiation – is it safe?
X-rays are used to produce images in this procedure. X-Rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day; this comes from the sun, the food we eat, and the ground. Being exposed to X-Rays carries a small risk, but your consultant feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having this procedure. We take every precaution to minimise the number of X-Rays you receive.
Results
The Radiologist will examine the pictures, and a report of the findings will be sent to the doctor who requested the procedure. This report should be available at your outpatient follow up appointment.
Where can I park my car?
You can park your car on the main Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI) hospital site and there is a charge. Charges apply, and payment can be made using cash or card.
We now have another car park available to patients on Freckleton Street, and there is a short walk (0.2 miles) up to the hospital from here.
The following people are eligible to receive free parking at our hospitals:
- Disabled people holding a valid Blue Badge, to be displayed in windscreen of vehicle.
- Frequent outpatient attendees, defined as those who are required to attend hospital for an appointment at least three times within a month for at least three months.
- Parents or guardians of sick children staying overnight in the hospital.
Outpatients and parents / guardians outlined in points two and three need to request an exemption pass from the relevant ward manager or the security office and display this in their vehicle for the duration of their stay.
Ambulance Transport
If it is necessary for you to have ambulance transport and you live in the Wigan Borough, please telephone 0300 0707 0737 to arrange it. Please inform the ambulance depot that it is for a special X-Ray, and it is essential that you arrive on time.
If you do not live in the Wigan Borough, please contact your General Practitioner (GP) to arrange your ambulance transport.
Further Information
If you have any queries regarding your examination, or suggestions on how we may improve any aspect of our service, please do not hesitate to speak to us either on the day of the examination or contact us on 01942 822398 (Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm).