In order for your test to be a high-quality examination, it is critical that you and your bowel be properly prepared. If you are not well prepared, the test may need to be cancelled or repeated.
Please follow the instructions below carefully.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Peglyte Laxative + Dulcolax tablets (2 x 5mg)
- No nuts, seeds, or skins one week before the test
- All clear liquid diet one day before the test
- Someone to drive you home after the test
- Health card
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TEST
- Avoid foods with nuts, seeds, or skins (no multigrain bread, tomatoes, strawberries, beans, etc.).
- Stop any iron supplements. You should continue your other prescription medications.
ONE DAY BEFORE THE TEST
- NO SOLID FOOD. Clear fluids only.
- No RED liquids - red stains the colon and cannot be distinguished from blood
Acceptable Fluids
Clear fluids include chicken/vegetable broth, clear tea (no milk), ginger ale, apple juice, Jell-O, Sprite, etc. You may drink blue, yellow or green-coloured PowerAde or Gatorade.
All laxatives can cause dehydration so it is important to drink plenty of liquids that have some salt/electrolytes in them like chicken/vegetable broth, Gatorade, and PowerAde.
Do NOT just drink plain water.
Dulcolax/Peglyte
The day before the test – in the morning
- Take one Dulcolax 5mg tablet
The day before the test – in the evening (around 6pm)
- Take a second Dulcolax 5mg tablet
IF YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A BOX CONTAINING 4 POUCHES.....
The day before the test – in the evening (around 6pm)
- Prepare the first dose of the Peglyte laxative by adding 2 litres (64 oz) of cold water to 2 packs of Peglyte. Stir well.
- Drink one glass every ten minutes until you have finished it.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A JUG WITH POWDER IN THE BOTTOM.....
The day before the test – in the evening (around 6pm)
- Fill the jug to the “fill line” indicated. Replace cap tightly and shake well.
- Drink one glass every ten minutes until you have finished approximately HALF of the contents. Once HALF of the contents have been consumed, replace cap, and leave remaining product in the fridge overnight.
*** It usually takes one to two hours before you have your first bowel motion. Gravol may be taken 30 minutes before taking the laxatives.
THE DAY OF THE TEST
- NO SOLID FOOD. Clear fluids only.
- Drink the second dose of Peglyte 6 hours before your test, as you did the night before. You may have to get up very early to do this, but it is important, as it will give the best results.
- Stop all fluids 3 hours before the test. This includes no smoking/vaping, no mints/candy and no chewing gum.
Do not take any sugar-lowering tablets or water pills the morning of the test. You can restart these medications after the test.
You can take your prescription medication including blood pressure pills and Aspirin, with a sip of water in the morning.
Peglyte is covered by some drug plans. Prescriptions are available upon request.