Colonic Transit Study

On the morning of your initial appointment you will be given a glass of water containing a very small amount of radiation. There are no side effects from the drink. You may drink and eat normally for the remainder of the test period.

You will be asked to return approximately six hours later for your first scan. This will take approximately 10-20 minutes. You will then be given a time to return to the department each morning for the next four days.

The imaging will be the same every day and will take 10-20 minutes. You will be positioned on your back on a scanning bed as a special gamma camera takes images of your abdomen from the front and back. These images detect where the radioactive drink is in your colon each day.

As an aid in interpreting your test results, each morning you will be asked if you have had any bowel motions since your last visit.

Our Nuclear Medicine Physician will review the images and issue a report. Once completed, the report will be sent electronically to your referring health professional.

This examination is a five day procedure. Scanning on each day is generally done in the morning and takes approximately 20 minutes.

• Your original request form

• Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards

• Previous relevant imaging

This examination has no associated side effects.

This examination is not suitable for pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers may undergo the procedure, but will need to cease breastfeeding for 12 hours after the scan. Breast milk should be expressed & discarded during this period. Breastfeeding may resume after the 12 hours.

Within 4-5 working days.