Capsule Sponge Test

What is the Capsule Sponge Test?

This new test is now being implemented in various NHS regions after clinical trials have demonstrated that it is a straightforward, safe, and effective method for diagnosing conditions related to the Oesophagus (food pipe).

The Capsule Sponge is a tiny capsule attached to a string, roughly the size of a vitamin tablet, made from vegetarian gelatin. The Capsule holds a sponge designed to gather cell samples from the Oesophagus. Once collected, these cells are examined to detect any unusual or abnormal changes.

Why is this test recommended?

This test checks the inside of your food pipe to find any early changes. If something is not quite right, doctors can keep a closer eye on it or give treatment to help. It is a quicker and easier test than the camera tube test (endoscopy).

Before your test appointment:

• You should have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before your appointment.

• Continue taking all your regular medications as usual.

• If you use blood-thinning medication, refer to the Warfarin section, further on the leaflet.

• Please inform us if you have diabetes, as you are required to fast 4 hours before your appointment. By doing so, we can arrange for a later morning time.

• If you have any concerns about the test or need to reschedule, contact the clinic using the details provided in your Capsule Sponge referral letter.

On the day of your test: 

• Continue taking your prescribed medication as usual, but only with a small amount of water. Bring a list of your medications to your appointment.

• If you are taking blood thinners, follow the specific instructions provided separately. 

• If you have diabetes, ensure you have a light breakfast early in the morning. This should be at least 4 hours before your appointment and take your usual medication.

What to expect during the procedure?

• A nurse will collect you from the waiting room and take you to the clinic area.

• Your appointment will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Before the test begins, you will be asked a few questions to ensure you are prepared and comfortable.

• You will swallow the capsule and string with plenty of water.

• The end of the string is attached to an applicator, which the nurse will hold during the procedure.

• It will take around 7 minutes for the capsule to dissolve, releasing the sponge in your stomach. 

• The nurse will gently pull the sponge back up, collecting cells along the way. This process takes only 1 to 2 seconds.

• As the sponge is drawn up, it collects cells from your Oesophagus. 

• The sponge is then preserved in a sample container and sent to the lab for analysis. 

• Specialists in the lab will examine the sample for any abnormalities.

After your Test

• You can leave immediately after the procedure is complete. 

• If you experience a sore throat, soothe it with a lozenge or sweets and take simple painkillers like paracetamol if needed. 

• Continue taking your prescribed heartburn medication as directed. 

• Other symptoms are highly unlikely, but if you experience severe pain or bleeding, contact the clinic using the details provided in your referral letter. 

• Outside normal clinic hours, call 111 and inform them that you have had a Capsule Sponge test. 

Potential Risks

The Capsule Sponge test has had no serious side effects identified. However, there are some small risk:

• Most people do not have any problem swallowing the capsule but if you do have a problem, we will not continue with the test.

• There is an extremely small risk (less than 1 in 2000 people) that the string may become detached from the sponge, or it may be difficult to remove the sponge. If this happens it is not painful or dangerous, but you will have an endoscopy (camera test) to remove the sponge.

• There is a very small chance that you may experience bleeding, and this may be more likely if you are on blood thinning medication. If this happens, please call us using the contact details on your referral letter. Outside normal opening times, please call 111 telling them that you have had a Capsule Sponge test.

Like all tests, the Capsule Sponge may not always find all abnormalities. On rare occasions, a serious abnormality might not be identified. If you have any questions about this, please contact the clinic using the contact details on your Capsule Sponge appointment letter.

Are there alternatives to Capsule Sponge?

Capsule Sponge test has been proven in clinical trials to be a simple, safe and effective way of diagnosing conditions related to the oesophagus (food pipe) and is being used in our hospital for low-risk patients as an alternative to endoscopy.

If you decide not to have a Capsule Sponge test, then an endoscopy will be offered. There will be a longer waiting time for an endoscopy.

If you would like to discuss an alternative, please speak to our Capsule Sponge Team.

Asking for your Consent 

If you choose to proceed with the Capsule Sponge test, you will be required to sign a consent form on the day of your appointment. This form confirms your agreement to undergo the test and acknowledges your understanding of what it entails.

Before making your decision, ensure you have thoroughly read and understood all the information provided. Once you decide to proceed, bring the consent form to your appointment so it can be completed and signed before your procedure.

Alert for patients on blood thinning medicines

If you are taking any blood thinning medications that may affect your clotting, you should have received specific instructions on what to do regarding these medications during the telephone call where your appointment was booked. If you have not received this information or have any questions, contact the clinic using the details on your Capsule Sponge referral letter.

Warfarin

You will need to have an INR test the week before your Capsule Sponge test.

An INR test is a finger prick test that tells the doctor how quickly your blood clots.

Your INR has to be 3.5 or less when you have the Capsule Sponge test.

You will need to have an INR test the week before your Capsule Sponge test.

If your INR is within your target range at that point, then continue with your usual dose.

If your INR is not within your target range, please contact your anticoagulant clinic for advice as your dose may need to be adjusted. In that case, we will also need to check the INR on the day of your Capsule Sponge test. (Contact your GP surgery to get the phone number for the blood-thinning clinic.)

Anti-Platelet Medication

Clopidogrel, Aspirin, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor and other anti-platelet medication do not need to be stopped before your Capsule Sponge test.

Other anticoagulants

You should stop any other anticoagulants the day of your Capsule Sponge test. Examples include Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban, Dabigatran.

Restart your medication the day after your test. Continue with your usual dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.       How will an upper respiratory infection affect my appointment?

A.       If you have any symptoms of a chest infection, please ring the department – Contact number is provided in your appointment letter.  

Q.       What should I wear to my appointment?

A.       Wear your normal clothes.

Q.       Will the test hurt?

A.      The test should not be painful, you may feel like the inside of your food pipe is being lightly brushed.

Contact Details

Colon Capsule and Sponge Capsule Service

Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Telephone: 01429 622537
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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Telephone: 01642 624719
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