Patency Capsule Test
This leaflet has been written by staff working in the Endoscopy Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
We hope you find it useful. If, after you have read it, you have any questions or concerns, please ring us on our direct line 020 3315 3056/5223.
When you come into the Unit (2nd Floor, Lift Bank B), please talk to us about any worries and ask any questions you have.
If you would like to change your appointment time or date, please contact the Endoscopy Unit booking team on 0203 315 4141/5984 or email us Chelwest.cwdiagnosticcentre.admin@nhs.net.
Your appointment time in Endoscopy is approximate because some procedures may take longer than expected and emergency procedures need to take priority. Please expect to be in the department for several hours – having pre-procedure checks, the procedure and for recovery after the procedure.
What is a patency capsule test?
A patency capsule test safely determines whether an object the size of capsule used for a capsule endoscopy can pass through your intestine.
For this procedure, you will swallow a capsule made of dissolvable material surrounding a tiny Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that can be detected by X-ray or a patency scanner.
If the capsule leaves your body before it dissolves, this confirms that your intestine is suitable or ‘patent’ for an object the size of the capsule.
If, as often happens, the capsule is still inside your body after 30 hours, it will dissolve into tiny pieces that can pass naturally through your intestine.
A return visit to the Endoscopy Unit will be scheduled for the day after you swallow the capsule to test whether it is still inside your body.
We require accurate information from this test, so please carefully follow the instructions below.
Note: If you have a narrowing of the small bowel, the patency capsule can get stuck and obstruct your bowel. While the capsule disintegrates, you may need to stay in hospital to manage your symptoms.
Week before your patency test
Prepare a list of all the medications you are currently taking.
On the day of the capsule endoscopy
- When you arrive you will be given a pre-procedure interview where you have the opportunity to discuss the test with your nurse.
- You will be seen by the doctor where you will have the opportunity to ask any questions before signing a consent form.
- You will be taken to an assessment room where you will be asked to swallow the patency capsule with a little water.
- During the test, please record the frequency of your daily bowel movements (using the form to the right) and bring it along to the unit at your next appointment.
- If you suffer from any abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting during the patency capsule test, contact the unit on 020 3315 3053 immediately.
- After ingesting the patency capsule and until it leaves your body, avoid being near any source of powerful electromagnetic fields such as an MRI device.
- Return promptly for your next appointment.
After swallowing the patency capsule
- Your clinician will discuss with you the outcome of the test and any further course of action.
- In case the capsule is retained in your body, your clinician may recommend additional tests (such as a limited CT scan) to verify the capsule location.
Bowel movements before the test
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 7 |
Bowel movements after the test
| Day | Date | Time | CAPSULE NOTICED? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 |