Colonic Transit Study

Information for parents and carers

Download leaflet

Protocol for Colonic Transit Study – PIAG M32 (133kB pdf)

What is a colonic transit study?

Colonic transit studies are used to find out how quickly food is passing through your child’s bowel. The study uses Colon Transit 3*2 capsules that contain small radio-opaque markers which, once swallowed, can be seen on an x-ray.
From the x-ray, the doctor will be able to look at how quickly food is moving through your child’s bowel by counting the number of markers seen on the x-ray. They will also be able to see areas where there may be a hold-up or blockage in the bowel.

How to take Colon Transit 3*2 capsules?

Your child should swallow ONE capsule with breakfast every day for 6 days
(on the 7th day an abdominal x-ray will be taken).

Additional administration information:

If your child has difficulty swallowing the capsules whole they can be opened and
mixed with yoghurt or soft food. The capsules may be taken in any order.

General advice about medicines

Never give medicines prescribed for your child it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm. If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor straight away.

This leaflet should be read with any manufacturers’ patient information. You must always discuss individual treatment with the appropriate member of staff.
Please note: Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is neither liable for the contents of any external internet site listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.

Who to contact for further details

If you have any questions about your medication whilst you are in hospital, please do not hesitate to ask one of the Pharmacy team, alternatively you can telephone us on 0151 252 5311.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.