What is a Colonic Transit Study and what does it do?
A Colonic Transit Study is used by your doctor to diagnose severe constipation or other colon disorders. You will be given a tablet (Jackson Hospital uses Sitzmarks® brand) to swallow. The tablet contains tiny plastic rings that will pass naturally through the digestive tract just as food does. An x-ray will be taken 5 days after the tablet was taken to determine the amount of rings left in your digestive tract. This will help your doctor determine what type of condition you may have and how to treat it.
Who performs the test?
The exam itself is performed by a Radiologic Technologist RT (R). These technologists are nationally registered with the A.R.R.T. (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and licensed through the state of Florida.
Where does it take place?
At Jackson Hospital in the Radiology Department.
How long does it take?
- You must come to the hospital to receive your tablet (we prefer you take the tablet at that time).
- You will then be given a day and time (5 days after taking tablet) to return for your abdomen x-ray.
- The x-ray itself takes about 15 minutes.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Be sure to return on the day and time you were given.
- Bring your orders with you when you come for your x-ray.
- If you are pregnant, please let your physician know BEFORE you come to hospital for your tablet.
What should I do before the exam?
It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing for the exam. You will need to remove any metallic objects that may be in the path of the x-ray beam (belts, zippers, piercings, etc). To reduce the risk of valuables being lost, it is recommended that they be removed prior to entering the exam room or simply left at home.
Do not use any laxatives until you have been informed that your test is complete. Laxatives include stimulants, bulk forming fibers, suppositories and saline enemas. You may take your prescribed medications.
There are no dietary restrictions for this test.
What happens during the exam?
You may have to change into a hospital gown for your study.
You will be asked to lie on an exam table for your abdominal x-ray. Once the x-ray is taken, you will be asked to wait while the doctor looks at your picture. If there are still several markers (6 or more) present in your digestive system, you may be asked to return in a couple of days for another x-ray (Day 7). If most of the markers have passed (<6 left), the exam is complete. If not, you may be instructed to come back in 3 days (Day 10) for another abdominal x-ray. Day 10 will be the last day.
What should I do after the exam?
If you are not instructed to come back for additional x-rays, you will be released to go home. The radiologist will review your image(s) and a final report will go to your ordering physician in 24-48 hours.
Contact Information:
Hospital (main operator): (850) 526-2200
Radiology Department: (850) 718-2580
4250 Hospital Drive • Marianna, Florida 32446-1917 • 850-526-2200