Capsule Sponge Test: aftercare advice
Information for patients from the Alternative Pathways Unit
This leaflet provides you with information about the capsule sponge test (CST). It explains the following.
What happens after your appointment.
How you will get your results.
What the possible side effects are.
Who to contact with any questions or concerns.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the Alternative Pathways Unit.
What happens after my appointment?
After your test, you can leave hospital and carry on with your day as normal - eating, drinking, and going back to work.
You may have a mild sore throat after your test. Drinking any type of fluid frequently or sucking throat lozenges can help.
It is very unlikely you will have any other symptoms. However, please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit if you have any concerns, or severe pain or bleeding. Please see Are there possible side effects? for more information. The unit's contact details are at the end of this leaflet.
Outside normal clinic hours, please go to the Emergency Department. Tell them you have had a CST.
If your heartburn symptoms become worse, continue to take your heartburn medication and contact your GP.
We will send your cell sample to a laboratory. The sample will be tested for signs of Barrett’s Oesophagus, inflammation, or cancerous changes.
How will I get my results?
The results of your test will take around 2 to 3 weeks. A nurse will contact you with your results. Your GP and referring consultant will be sent a copy of your results.
If your CST test shows your cells are normal
If you have this result you will receive a letter in the post. It means that there is no evidence of damage to your oesophagus (food pipe). You will continue with your current treatment (such as acid-suppressants) for your symptoms.
If the CST tests finds any abnormal cells or is inconclusive
You will need further investigation of your oesophagus (food pipe). This is usually an upper endoscopy. You will receive a phone call from the nurse to discuss the reasons for this. If you need more information on this investigation, please speak to your nurse.
How may I feel after the procedure?
You may have a mild sore throat after your test, which can last for up to 48 hours. This is easily treated with fluids and / or lozenges.
You may have some streaking of red blood when you cough or vomit after your procedure. This is caused by irritation from the device. If this happens, it should last no more than 24 hours.
Contact the Alternative Pathways Unit, using the contact details at the end of this leaflet, if:
the amount of red blood is a lot more; or
you notice red stools (poo) when you go to the toilet.
Outside normal clinic hours, please go to the Emergency Department. Tell them you have had a CST.
What if the tests do not find any abnormalities?
Like all tests, the CST may not find all abnormalities. On very rare occasions, the test may not find a serious abnormality. If you have any questions about this, please speak to the nurse at your pre-assessment or procedure appointment.
Contact details
If you have any questions, please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Alternative Pathways Unit
Telephone: 01304 222558
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