Faecal Tagging

Duration of examination

30 – 45 minutes

Patient preparation

• patient to collect oral contrast prep kit and instructions from clinic
• 3‑day drinking preparation, with the exam to be performed on day 3
• no dietary modifications/​no laxatives
• fast 2 hours before the examination

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is CT abdomen with faecal tagging?

It is an examination investigating anaemia and/​or suspected colonic malignancy.

This technique is generally used for elderly or frail patients that are not well enough to have a standard laxative preparation required for a colonoscopy.

What will happen during the examination?

On arrival you will be asked to change into a gown and lie on a CT table.

A possible injection of contrast may be administered prior to your examination. Contrast may be injected via a small plastic IV catheter placed into a vein of your arm.

Most people experience a temporary warming sensation when the contrast is administered. This dissipates quickly.

A small lubricated catheter will be gently inserted a short way into the rectum in order to fill the bowel with air. Some patients report a sensation of ​“fullness” or ​“mild discomfort”.

Please resist the urge to release your bowel as this will reduce the distension of your bowel.

You may be given an injection to reduce muscle spasm allowing better distension of your bowel.

Once filled with air, scans will be obtained, initially while lying on your back and then while resting on your stomach.

You will be asked to hold your breath for about 15 seconds during imaging.

Once the imaging is complete the catheter will be removed.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation.

The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh any potential risks from receiving such a small dose.

However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.