How to Prepare for Digestive System Tests

1. Bring proof of identity, your referral if required, a list of the medicines you take, the results of previous tests and any other medical documents relating to your condition.
2. Before the test, tell your doctor about:
   • all medicines and dietary supplements you take, particularly medicines that affect blood clotting and medicines for diabetes, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists;
   • allergies to medicines, contrast agents or latex;
   • pregnancy or the possibility that you may be pregnant;
   • implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker;
   • chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver or other organs.
3. Never stop taking or change any medicines on your own. If your treatment needs to be adjusted before the test, the referring doctor or the doctor performing the procedure will discuss this with you in advance.
4. If the test is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions on the same day. Arrange for someone to accompany you in advance – at some healthcare facilities, the procedure may not go ahead without an accompanying adult.
5. If you are unable to attend your scheduled test, notify the healthcare facility as soon as possible. This will allow the appointment to be offered to another patient.
6. If you have any questions about preparation, always contact the healthcare facility where the test will be performed and follow the instructions it provides.

Some digestive system tests, such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP, may be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia.

Before the procedure, additional tests may be required to assess your general health and the safety of the anaesthetic. These commonly include:

• a full blood count (FBC);
• blood-clotting tests, such as INR or prothrombin activity (SPA), if required;
• a blood glucose test;
• electrolyte tests, including potassium, sodium and chloride;
• a creatinine test;
• an electrocardiogram (ECG).

These tests usually need to have been performed within the 2 weeks before the procedure. However, the doctor ordering the procedure will confirm which tests are required and how recently they must have been performed.

If you take medicines that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel or others, medicines for diabetes, including insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, or any other medicines with special administration requirements, make sure you tell your doctor. Do not stop taking or change any medicines on your own. If necessary, your doctor will explain which medicines need to be temporarily stopped or adjusted and when.

After sedation or general anaesthesia:

• do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions on the same day;
• arrange for someone to accompany you in advance – at some healthcare facilities, the procedure may not go ahead without an accompanying adult;
• follow the instructions provided by your doctor or nurse regarding eating, physical activity and taking medicines after the procedure.