A SeHCAT Study: Check What Happens at Each Appointment
Bloating & DigestionArticleUse your appointment letter to clarify the capsule, scans and result discussion.
In this article
Before a SeHCAT appointment, contact nuclear medicine about your medicines, possible pregnancy or breastfeeding. Guy’s and St Thomas’ asks for these details beforehand; medicine or breastfeeding instructions need your team’s advice. Do not make changes from this article.1
What the study measures
SeHCAT assesses bile salt absorption by measuring radioactivity after a capsule containing a bile-salt-like substance and radioactive tracer.1
Write down the explanation in your own words and ask about unfamiliar terminology.
The first appointment can differ
In the trust’s August 2026 information, the first visit may involve the capsule alone or a scan later that day, depending on equipment. The appointment letter states whether to stay or return. Confirm your own arrangements.1
Keep an empty space beside each appointment entry for the department’s explanation. If two messages disagree, show both to the booking team for clarification instead of choosing one yourself.
The return scan has its own purpose
The trust describes a return scan without another capsule. Ask your unit to confirm the sequence in your letter.1
Read back any arrangement you have not understood before ending the call. Save the agreed details with the letter so you can find the explanation again.
The result needs a discussion
Guy’s and St Thomas’ sends the report to the referring doctor. Contact the referring team to arrange a result discussion if one is not booked.1
Keep space for the clinician’s explanation and the next step they recommend. Ask for unfamiliar report wording to be explained before copying it into your notes.
Bloated by Dinner includes a Test It list and visit script. Use them to collect your appointment questions and record the answers. Explore the digestion playbook.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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Sources
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