Non-invasive Tests

Leaders in non-invasive testing

While The Capsule Clinic has a primary focus on Capsule Endoscopy procedures, the clinic also provides many other specialised clinical testing. These include the following:

Non-invasive Tests

Sponge Testing for Barrett’s Oesophagus

The Capsule Clinic offers a Capsule sponge test (EndoSign®) which enables healthcare professionals to offer an early detection service for patients at risk of Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma. The main risk factors for these conditions are those patients with long-standing heartburn or reflux symptoms.

This convenient diagnostic test can be conducted in a clinic setting to provide a surveillance alternative to endoscopy and reduce the need for endoscopies when further investigation is not required. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes to perform in the clinic.
 
This procedure collects approximately a million cells from the lining of the gullet and these are then analysed to look for Barrett’s Oesophagus cells or cancerous cells in the gullet.

How it works :

  1. The patient swallows the capsule.
  2. In the stomach, the capsule dissolves, releasing the sponge.
  3. The sponge expands and is then gently pulled back up the esophagus, collecting cells from the lining.
  4. The collected cells are analysed in a laboratory.

Watch this short video for more information.

Non-invasive Tests

Ultrasound and Liver Elasticity Scanning

At The Capsule Clinic, we offer the state-of-the-art ultrasound scanner from Canon.

This allows us to offer ultrasound scanning services at the clinic which include liver,pancreas and gallbladder assessments as well as ultrasound scans of the pelvis and other abdominal organs.

We also offer specialised ultrasound scanning including:

  1. Liver elasticity scanning which, like fibroscanning can assess the liver specifically for signs of scarring (fibrosis and cirrhosis). This is often offered as part of our liver MOT.
  2. Ultrasound of small bowel – for detecting inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease
  3. Contrast enhanced ultrasound scanning for further enhancement of traditional ultrasound.
Non-invasive Tests

Stool Testing

At The Capsule Clinic, we offer stool testing for blood (FIT testing) for bowel cancer detection and exclusion. This simple test detects millionths of a gram of blood in the faeces and forms part of the national bowel cancer screening programme.
 
The Capsule Clinic also offers stool testing for infection exclusion, and detection of inflammation (Calprotectin test). Calprotectin testing is a fast way of detecting conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease).

Blood Testing

At The Capsule Clinic, we offer the full spectrum of blood tests including genetic testing, coeliac antibody testing, liver function tests, Iron and vitamin levels as well as drug levels testing to ensure inflammatory bowel disease drugs are at their optimal level.

We are one of the few private clinics that offers a Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) blood test, which offers a more convenient and cheaper alternative to a SeHCAT test. Bile acid malabsorption usually gives symptoms of diarrhoea and IBS type symptoms.

Non-invasive Tests

Colorectal Genetic Testing

What is Colorectal Genetic Testing?

Colorectal genetic testing looks at your DNA to check for inherited changes (mutations) in specific genes that can increase your risk of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or related cancers, this testing may help guide your care and that of your relatives.
 
At The Capsule Clinic, we offer a comprehensive gene panel test looking at all the current genes associated with developing colorectal cancer. We have the ability to make appropriate referrals to a genetic counsellor should the results show abnormalities.

Why is this testing done?

  1. To find inherited gene mutations that increase colorectal cancer risk
  2. To help you and your healthcare provider make decisions about:
    • Cancer screening and prevention
    • Treatment options
    • Family testing

What genes are tested at The Capsule Clinic and why?

These genes are associated with hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis syndromes:

Lynch Syndrome (also known as HNPCC):

  • MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM
    • Mutations in these genes increase risk for colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers.
    • EPCAM deletions can silence the MSH2 gene.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP):

  • APC
    • Causes hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum, usually developing in teenage years.

Attenuated FAP and Other Polyposis Conditions:

  • MUTYH (autosomal recessive condition)
  • NTHL1 (autosomal recessive polyposis)
  • POLE, POLD1 (polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis)
  • AXIN2 (oligodontia-colorectal cancer syndrome)
  • MBD4 (rare, high polyp and cancer risk)
  • RNF43 (serrated polyposis risk)

Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes:

  • BMPR1A, SMAD4 (Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome)
  • PTEN (PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome/Cowden syndrome)
  • STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome)
  • GREM1 (Hereditary Mixed Polyposis Syndrome; duplications seen in Ashkenazi Jewish populations)

Other Cancer risk genes with colorectal involvement:

  • CDH1 (mainly linked to stomach and breast cancer; some colorectal risk)
  • CHEK2 (moderate risk gene for multiple cancers, including colorectal)
  • TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome—very high lifetime cancer risk)

What do the results mean?

  1. Positive: A mutation was found that increases your risk of cancer.
    • Your provider will recommend a personalised cancer screening and prevention plan.
    • Family members may need testing.
  2. Negative: No mutation found in the tested genes.
    • Does not rule out cancer risk completely—especially if family history is strong.
    • Follow-up depends on personal/family history.
  3. Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS):
    • A gene change was found, but we don’t yet know if it affects your cancer risk.
    • These results may be reclassified as more is learned.

What happens next?

  • If a mutation is found, you may:
    • Start colonoscopies earlier and more often
    • Consider preventive surgery in some cases
    • Share results with family so they can get tested
  • A genetic counselor or healthcare provider will help you understand your results and next steps.
Non-invasive Tests

Hydrogen Breath Testing

The Capsule Clinic offers hydrogen breath testing kits which can be sent to your door.

These easy tests can be offered to patients after consultation with a gastroenterologist. They enable making the diagnosis of the following conditions (which can be commonly mistaken for Irritable Bowel Syndrome):

  1. Fructose intolerance (Fructase deficiency)
  2. SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
  3. Lactose intolerance (Lactase deficiency)