colorectal transit study

A series of X-rays, taken over a period of several days, to show how well food moves through the colon. On the first day of the test, the patient swallows several capsules that contain material that can be seen on an X-ray. Over the next several days, X-rays are taken to track the progress of the capsules through the intestines. Colorectal transit studies are used to help determine the cause of chronic constipation.