Things You Should do Before a Colonoscopy Test
Colonoscopy is an imaging test used to see the inside of your colon or rectum—parts of your large intestine. Doctors use this procedure to detect early signs of colorectal cancer growth help them diagnose unexplained changes in bowel movement, bleeding from the rectum or anus, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Before your colonsocopy test is done, your doctor usually provides you with written instructions on how to prepare for the exam. This process is called bowel prep.
In general, all solids in the digestive tract should be emptied 1 to 3 days before the test. This can be done by having a clear liquid diet. Acceptable liquids that can be taken are:
- salt-free bouillon or broth
- strained fruit juice
- water
- plain coffee
- plain tea
- sports drinks
- gelatin
Drinks containing red or purple dye should be avoided.
The night before your test, your doctor may require you to take a laxative or have an enema. A laxative is a medication that helps loosen stool and increases bowel movement. An enema is performed by flushing water, or sometimes a mild soap solution, into the anus using a special wash bottle.
You should also inform your healthcare provider about medications or supplements that you are taking on a daily basis, such as aspirin, blood thinners, diabetes medications, and vitamins containing iron.
Because a sedative is used during colonoscopy, driving after the procedure should be avoided to give enough time for the sedative to wear off. You should arrange for someone to take you home.
Related Readings:
- Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Digestive System Disorders
- Anatomic Problems of the Colon or Large Intestine
Sources:
Colonoscopy (January 2010). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Available Online at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/. Accessed on July 22, 2010.
Colonoscopy (January 2010). National Library of Medicine (NLM). Available Online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/colonoscopy.html. Accessed on July 22, 2010.
[Top of Page]
