This examination determines the length of time your body takes to process food. In other words, how long it takes for food to travel from your stomach to exiting the body as a bowel motion.
What does it involve?
You will be supplied with 10 small radio-opaque markers. Take them at night, after dinner, with some water. The next day, a plain x-ray of your abdomen will be taken to confirm all the markers are present. You will need to return to the radiology department every second day (for up to 7 days) for subsequent abdominal x-rays to assess the location of the markers in your bowel. Once all 10 markers have been passed, the test is completed.
How long will it take?
Up to seven days.
Is there any preparation?
If you are taking laxatives, stop these 24 hours prior to starting the examination. You may not take any laxatives for the duration of the test. You may eat and drink normally throughout the test; there is no restriction on foods consumed.
