Preparing for the Sitzmark study
- Your child must swallow a capsule on days one, two and three. There are 24 rings in each capsule. These rings will be visible in your child’s x-ray and will help the doctor determine how your child’s intestine moves.
- If your child cannot swallow the capsule, it can be opened and mixed in soft food (pudding, ice cream, applesauce, etc.).
- Do not chew the rings.
- If your child refuses to swallow all of the rings, please try to figure out how many are actually consumed and let your doctor know.
- The rings will harmlessly pass out in your child’s stool. This is to be expected. You may or may not see the rings.
How does the study x-ray work?
- On days four and seven, your child will need x-rays of his or her stomach (KUB x-ray).
- One x-ray should be taken each day.
- The doctor will review your child’s x-ray results and plan your child’s treatment with you.
Please note: These x-rays must be done at one of the following:
- Mass General for Children - Boston
- MGH West - Waltham
- MGH North - Danvers
Summary
Talk to your doctor about scheduling your child’s Sitzmark study.
Day 1 |
Take 1 capsule |
Day 2 |
Take 1 capsule at the same time as on Day 1 |
Day 3 |
Take 1 capsule at the same time as on Day 1 and Day 2 |
Day 4 |
KUB stomach x-ray within 2 hours of the time the capsule was taken on Days 1, 2 and 3 |
Day 7 |
KUB stomach x-ray; same as on Day 4 |
If you have further questions or if your child becomes very uncomfortable, vomits, develops a swollen abdomen or fever during the test please call the nurse at 617-724-0732. After 5 pm or on weekends page the Pediatric GI doctor on call at 617-726-2241.
Rev. 5/2012. This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.