ERCP Preparation

Read and follow the instructions below to prepare for your procedure or download a PDF copy.

Special Instructions

If you take a GLP-1 medicine (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or similar), do NOT take it for 7 days before your procedure. Call us if you took any during this time.
If you have diabetes, call your primary care doctor to ask if you need to adjust your diabetes medicine before and on the day of your procedure. Check your blood sugar often during this time.
If you take blood thinner medicine, keep taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop or change your dose. Small polyps can usually be removed, and biopsies (removing small pieces of tissue to test) can usually be done safely while you are taking blood thinners. If a large polyp is found when you are taking blood thinners, you may need to have the procedure done again when you are no longer taking blood thinners, as directed by your doctor.

Call our office during regular business hours (8:00am to 4:30pm) at 614-754-5500. Call us with preparation questions instead of the hospital.

Preparing for Your Procedure

If your procedure is at the hospital, you may need to complete pre-admission testing (PAT). PAT may include blood work, a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and sometimes an EKG. If you have a heart defibrillator or a central venous access device, tell the staff during pre-admission testing. Our office or the hospital will call you with the date and time. You need to complete this testing between 30 days and 3 days before your procedure.
Arrange for a responsible adult to take you to and from your procedure, sign you out, and care for you afterward. This is required. If we cannot confirm your responsible adult when you arrive, we will not provide sedation and may reschedule your procedure. For your safety, taxi, Uber, or public transportation may only be used if your responsible adult is with you.
Plan to be at the facility for at least 2 hours.

Stop taking any aspirin products (like B.C. and Goodies) or anti-inflammatory medicines (like Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, etc.). You can start taking these medicines again 7 days after your procedure unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. It is okay to take Tylenol.

Confirm your responsible adult will go with you to your procedure and care for you afterward.
11:59 p.m. – Start a clear liquid diet. Have only clear liquids until these instructions tell you to stop (like water, chicken broth, apple juice, popsicles, Jell-O, coffee, or soda). DO NOT have alcohol, creamers, or anything red. DO NOT eat any solid food.

Keep drinking clear liquids (no red coloring, alcohol, or creamers) until these instructions tell you to stop. DO NOT eat any solid food.
6 hours before arrival time – Take your regular medicines with small sips of water.
6 hours before arrival time – STOP drinking water and clear liquids. DO NOT have anything by mouth before your arrival time. DO NOT eat, drink, chew gum, suck on hard candy, or use lozenges. If you do, your procedure will be delayed or canceled.
Patients meeting our policy requirements must take a urine pregnancy test before procedures.
1 hour before procedure time – Arrive at registration where you will have your procedure so we can get you ready. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of your medicines. Leave valuables at home (like cash, watch, and jewelry). Do not wear contact lenses.