The test is particularly useful if you experience constipation on a chronic basis.
Colonic transit time is the amount of time that it takes for a substance to move through your colon.
Taking a measurement of this time provides useful information as to the severity of your digestive problem.
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Colonic transit time measurements are also used in research to assess the effect of treatment ongut motility.
This is considered to be a relatively simple test.
You will be asked to swallow a capsule that contains plastic beads or rings which are used as markers.
The capsule will dissolve and the rings will make their way into your colon.
There are a few variations of this test.
Alternately, one X-ray will be taken on day five.
Another variation has you swallow one capsule a day for three days.
X-rays will be scheduled for days four and seven, or perhaps just on day seven.
Another downside is that you are exposed to radiation from the X-ray.
However, this test is not widely available.
Images are typically taken at the 24- and 48-hour marks.
The test involves swallowing a small data recording gadget that transmits information to a wireless data receiver.
It offers the advantages of being well-tolerated and there is no radiation exposure.
However, it can be quite expensive.
This test requires that you fast overnight and temporarily discontinue any digestive medication.
At your healthcare provider’s office, you will swallow a capsule that contains the small data recording gear.
You will be given something to eat and water to drink with the capsule.
You must avoid eating for the next six hours, but then can return to your regular meals.
You will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise until the test is over.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled three to five days later in which you will return the data receiver.
2013;1(6):413-21. doi:10.1177/2050640613510161
