PillCam Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy

This information was reviewed and approved by Dison Hucke, BSN, RN (4/1/2026).

What is a Pillcam® Endoscopy?

Your provider has recommended a PillCam® Small Bowel Endoscopy as part of your evaluation at National Jewish Health. A PillCam® is a capsule (pill-sized) camera that you swallow. The capsule travels naturally through your digestive tract and takes thousands of images of your small intestine. These images are sent to a recorder that you will wear on a belt.

This test is used to help evaluate conditions such as unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and polyps or tumors in the small intestine.

This test examines the small intestine only. It does not replace an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, which evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and colon.

What happens during the study?

When you arrive, a nurse will review the test and answer any questions.

Sensors will be placed on your abdomen and connected to a recording device, which may be worn on a belt or applied as an adhesive recorder.
You will swallow the PillCam® capsule.
The capsule will take images for approximately 8 hours as it passes through your small intestine.
You will be able to leave the department and continue most normal daily activities during the study.
The capsule is disposable and will pass naturally in your stool, usually within 1–5 days.

How do I prepare for the study?

To ensure the best quality study, follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

Before your test, tell your provider if you have:

A pacemaker or other implanted medical device
Difficulty swallowing
A known or suspected bowel obstruction or narrowing (stricture)
A history of abdominal surgery
Prior abdominal radiation

Diet and bowel preparation:

Follow your provider’s specific bowel preparation instructions.
Follow your prescribed diet instructions including clear liquids the day before.
Do not eat or drink anything not allowed in your preparation instructions.

Medication instructions:

Do not take iron supplements for 5 days before the procedure.
Do not take Carafate® (sucralfate) or antacids for 24 hours before the procedure.
You may take essential medications (such as heart, blood pressure, or seizure medications) with small sips of water as instructed.
If you have diabetes, contact the provider managing your diabetes for instructions on medication adjustments.

Day of your study

Wear loose, comfortable, two-piece clothing.
Do not apply lotions or powders to your abdomen.
Arrive for your appointment at 7:30 AM and check in15 minutes before your appointment
Check in at Admissions and tell them you are going to the MIDC.

After swallowing the PillCam® capsule

You may drink clear liquids 2 hours after swallowing the capsule until the study is complete.
Do not drink anything with red, purple, or orange coloring, or dairy products
You may return to your normal diet after the study is complete (about 8 hours).

During the study

Keep the sensor belt snug and properly positioned
Check the recorder light periodically to ensure it is blinking
Avoid strong electromagnetic fields (such as MRI machines)
Do not disconnect or remove the equipment
Avoid direct sunlight on the equipment
Handle the recorder carefully

After completing the study

Return to the MIDC the same day to return the equipment at your instructed time.
The capsule will pass naturally in your stool within several days.

Your provider will review the recorded images and use the results to help determine the best plan of care and treatment for you. You will be contacted with results or next steps.

Important Safety Information

Contact the MIDC at 303-270-2424 right away if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing during or after the study.
If you are not sure the capsule has passed, do not have an MRI until passage is confirmed, as this may cause injury. Your provider may order an abdominal X-ray if needed. If the capsule has not passed within 1–5 days, contact your provider.