Colonic Transit Study (Pellet Study)
What is it?
A colonic transit study is used to examine how fast food passes through the digestive system. Patients are asked to swallow different shapes of pellets each day for 3 consecutive days. The abdominal x-ray is taken on the fifth day to assess if there are pellets still left in the large bowel and determine the location and distribution of the pellets.
Why it is needed?
It helps to determine the bowel transit time. Children with constipation will often have delayed colonic transit time. The distribution of the pellets will help clinician to determine if there is a general delayed colonic transit time or stool withholding habit.
What preparation is needed?
Patients may need bowel disimpaction with strong laxative prior to the colonic transit time, particularly if they are severely constipated. Patient will need to stop taking any laxatives when they swallow the first pellet and not take any laxatives until the last x-ray has been taken.
Is there is risk?
There are no risks to the patient. The pellets will pass out of the anus after a few days. The abdominal x-ray contains a tiny amount of radioactivity and any possible harm from this is extremely small. It is equivalent to 3-months of background radiation.
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