A colonoscopy is a standard medical procedure used to examine the large intestine for abnormalities, most commonly for colorectal cancer screening. Patients often focus on the required bowel preparation, but they also have practical concerns regarding comfort and modesty on the day of the procedure. Understanding the standard facility protocols for clothing and monitoring helps alleviate anxiety about this necessary screening.
Patient Attire and Monitoring Requirements
Patients are typically asked to change into a facility-provided hospital gown before the colonoscopy begins. This mandatory attire is designed to allow the medical team unrestricted access to the necessary areas while keeping the patient covered as much as possible. A gown also ensures no personal clothing is accidentally stained or damaged during the procedure.
The gown is necessary because the procedure requires placement of various monitoring devices to track the patient’s physiological responses during sedation. An intravenous (IV) line is placed, usually in the arm or hand, to administer fluids and the sedative medication. Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads and pulse oximetry sensors must be placed on the chest and a finger, respectively, to continuously monitor the heart rate, rhythm, and oxygen saturation levels.
While the gown replaces most street clothes, facilities generally permit patients to keep on personal items that offer comfort and do not interfere with medical equipment. These items usually include socks or slippers, which help maintain body temperature. Any item that might obstruct the immediate placement of leads or the use of equipment must be removed.
Specific Guidelines for Wearing a Bra
Whether a patient can wear a bra during a colonoscopy often depends on the garment’s construction. Many facilities allow a patient to wear a bra, particularly if it is a soft-cup, wireless, or sports bra, as these do not interfere with monitoring or procedure safety. The chest area is generally not the focus of the procedure, allowing upper-body clothing to remain if it does not impede monitoring access.
The primary concern regarding a bra is the presence of metal underwire, hooks, or clasps. Electrocautery is frequently used during a colonoscopy to safely remove polyps or control minor bleeding within the colon. This technique uses a high-frequency electrical current, and metal objects on the patient’s body can potentially create an alternate pathway for this current.
Although the risk is low, this interaction can cause a burn at the point of contact between the metal and the skin. To eliminate this potential hazard, staff may ask patients to remove any bra containing metal components or request a change into a wireless alternative. Patients should proactively communicate with the nursing staff and be prepared to remove the bra if the facility policy or the procedure requires it.
Mandatory Removals for Safety
Items containing metal or electronics must be removed before the procedure because they pose a safety risk. All metal jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and body piercings, must be taken off. The electrical current used for polyp removal (electrocautery) can flow through these external metal objects, creating a burn hazard on the skin.
Electronic devices, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, also need to be removed because they can interfere with the signals of the medical monitoring equipment. The accurate reading of heart rate and oxygen levels is necessary for patient safety during sedation, and electronic interference could compromise this data. Depending on the level of sedation provided, patients may also be asked to remove dentures or glasses to ensure a clear airway and prevent loss or damage during the procedure.