For this test a small capsule that has a camera in it will be placed in your small bowel and will provide a direct view of your entire colon.
Preparing Your Child
- Avoid non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medications (ex. Motrin, ibuprofen, etc) or iron medications 2 weeks before the test.
- Avoid antacids and Carafate for 3 days before the test.
- If you are unsure if a medication is okay to take, ask your doctor.
- The day before the test, drink only clear liquids after lunch and until 3 hours before the test.
- Pedialyte or Gatorade (no RED color),
- Popsicles without pieces of fruit (not RED)
- Chicken, beef or vegetable broth ‐ no meat or vegetables
- 7up/sprite, apple juice or white grape juice
- The day before the test, give one 10oz bottle of ### Magnesium Citrate### (over the counter at pharmacy) at 12:00 noon and one more 10oz bottle at 5pm.
- The day of the test, do not take any medications 2 hours before the test and wear loose fitting, two piece clothing.
Description of Test
- The procedure can happen at the bedside/office or in the operating room under anesthesia.
- After the pill cam is placed endoscopically, your child cannot eat or drink for 2 hours. Two hours after the test, your child can drink clear liquids. Four hours after the test, your child may eat a light meal and take medications. Do not eat or drink anything RED.
During the Test
- The test lasts 8 hours while the capsule travels through the entire digestive tract.
- Your child will wear a sensor belt around their waist over a single layer of clothing for pictures to be recorded. Do not disconnect or remove the belt at any time during the test.
- Please check that the blue flashing data recorder light is flashing every 15 minutes. If it stops blinking or changes color, write the time on the diary and contact your doctor (714‐509‐4099).
- Record the times that you start eating or drinking in the diary.
- Contact your doctor’s office (714‐509‐4099) immediately if you have any stomach pain, nausea or throw up during the test.
After the Test
- After the test, return pill cam belt.
- The capsule will pass out in a bowel movement within 24‐48 hours. ** Do not have an MRI if capsule is still in your child’s body or if one is necessary, talk to your doctor—your child may need an x ray to confirm the pill cam is no longer in the body.**
- Your doctor will talk to you about the results at your next visit.
