Colonoscopy Instructions
Please read carefully and do not hesitate to call with questions. A good bowel prep will allow careful inspection of the colon; otherwise, the bowel prep and colonoscopy may need to be repeated!
You must make arrangements for someone to drive you home as you will be unable to drive for 24 hours.
If your insurance requires prior authorization, please call us before your procedure to confirm approval.
What you may consume on the day prior to colonoscopy
You may only have CLEAR LIQUIDS. NO SOLID FOODS, NO DAIRY and no red or purple liquids.
The following are OK: water, clear broth (no solids), tea (no cream), apple juice, sports drinks, soda, jello. You may drink coffee, but not on the morning of the procedure.
If diabetic, do not drink sugar-free liquids.
To stay hydrated, continue drinking plenty of clear liquids until 3 hours prior to procedure.
Medications
Take all medications as you normally do, unless instructed otherwise.
Aspirin: Unless you have a cardiac condition, do not take aspirin for 1 week prior to the procedure. If you have a cardiac condition, please call if you have forgotten specific instructions given to you at the time of your consultation.
Do not take ibuprofen or iron for 1 week prior to procedure.
For insulin or oral diabetic medications, take half of your dose on the day of and the day prior to colonoscopy.
If you take coumadin or Plavix, please call if you have forgotten specific instructions given to you at the time of your consultation.
Bowel Preparation
If you were prescribed Movi-Prep
On the evening prior to your colonoscopy: Empty 1 pouch A and 1 pouch B into the container, add lukewarm water to the top line of the container. Mix to dissolve.
Start drinking the container of fluid at 8PM and finish by 9PM. When finished, drink 16 ounces of a clear liquid of your choice.
For procedures scheduled before 10am: repeat above at 10pm.
For procedures scheduled at 10am or later: Repeat above on the morning of your procedure, starting at 6 hours prior to your procedure, and finish by 5 hours prior.
If you were prescribed TriLyte or Nulytely
For procedures scheduled before 10am: Starting at 8PM on the evening prior to your colonoscopy, drink an 8 ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until the bottle is finished.
For procedures scheduled at 10am or later: Starting at 8PM on the evening prior to your colonoscopy drink an 8 ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until HALF the bottle is finished. Finish the other half on the morning of your procedure, starting at 6 hours prior to your procedure, and finish by 5 hours prior.
*Some patients will be instructed to drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate 2 nights prior to your procedure. Please refer to your specific instructions.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Instructions
You may consume your usual diet, but do not eat or drink anything (including water) beginning 3 hours prior to endoscopy.
You must make arrangements for someone to drive you home as you will be unable to drive for 24 hours.
If your insurance requires prior authorization, please call us before your procedure to confirm approval.
Medications
Take all medications as you normally do, unless instructed otherwise.
Aspirin: Unless you have a cardiac condition, do not take aspirin for 1 week prior to the procedure. If you have a cardiac condition, please call if you have forgotten specific instructions given to you at the time of your consultation.
Do not take ibuprofen or iron for 1 week prior to procedure.
For insulin or oral diabetic medications, take half of your dose on the day of endoscopy.
If you take coumadin or Plavix, please call if you have forgotten specific instructions given to you at the time of your consultation.
Where to go
We perform procedures at either Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo, or East Bay Endoscopy Center in Emeryville. Please show up at the time previously scheduled. Do not hesitate to call us for verification.
Click here for directions to Doctors Medical Center:
Ask the volunteer at the information booth in the Main Lobby to direct you to Same Day Surgery.
Click here for directions to East Bay Endoscopy Center:
Please register at the front desk.
