Technical

Software Testing Trends Every Tester Should Follow

Software testing techniques and methods have changed a lot in the last decade. Inspired by the manufacturing process, software testing has acquired the waterfall approach to test for the quality, which involved step-by-step checks and case tests when the products are at user acceptance phase. This made the task a lot more difficult for manual testers as the amount of data to be processed to run all the test cases was too much.

The emergence of Agile and DevOps methodology by many business organizations insert the testing and checking process at an earlier phase of the process. Similarly, there had been considerable changes in Software Testing methods in past that needs to look forward in future.

So let’s check out the following testing trends which will transform the future prediction:-

1. A shift from QA to Quality Engineering

The world is changing continuously, and every now and then, there is a talk about new technology surfacing in the market. Quality Assurance (QA) follows a systematic waterfall approach for testing which is a step by step process, making it through but lengthy at the same time. Hence, QA is struggling to keep up with the changing dynamics in the testing field. QA can sometimes perform as a bottleneck to a complete flow of processes. As it follows a step-by-step test, the previous process needs to be completely done for the next to begin and beings a manual tester one can only look after this in detail. But with QA the amount of data and processes can easily pile up. With Quality Engineering one can introduce the testing and automation process earlier in the process rather than at the customer’s acceptance phase.

2. IoT

IoT (Internet of Things) is one of the fastest growing technologies in today’s world and IoT is the challenge for Test Automation. A complete web of things is interconnected with each other through the internet (still sounds like one of those sci-fi movies). The hardware is controlled by dedicated software which connects them to the internet and from there it connects to all other things. As great as it may sound, there are a number of vulnerabilities in the system. Hence, the products which are connected should be tested for functionality, quality, and most important security. As per HP reports, around 70 % of the systems connected to IoT are vulnerable to security-related issues.

3.Digital Transformation with Agile

Agile Methodology has been used for the last 17 years after it was discussed in Manifesto of Agile Software Development. This methodology promotes working with various small teams in collaboration and while doing these tasks & taking on a smaller amount of processes and makes a quick and continuous delivery. Modern practices based on Agile Manifesto can be really helpful with User Experiences (UX) work like planning, execution, and evaluation.

4. DevOps

DevOps is a term used for a particular set of rules or principles to reduce the amount of time from development to operations. DevOps is not particularly a new concept in business but its emergence in the technical field is quite recent and in the past 5 years, it has gained a tremendous amount of support from the business organization. In the coming years, more organizations are likely to adapt to these set of principles to improve their overall performances as its emphasis on Automation and Integration.

5. Time for Big Data Testing

We live in the golden age of technology, where the clients and users on various platforms upload terabytes of data and so managing such amount of data, it needs a unique approach for testing. Big Data Testing is a process which can be helpful for business to test such large amounts of data. The main aim is to test the data for quality to start with. Big data is a really large amount of datasets which can’t be processed by traditional computing techniques.

6. Bigger Market share for Mobile Users & Test Automation

Mobile is now one of the most important parts of an individuals’ life. Nowadays there is an app for everything where the number of devices, OS platforms, and software runs on a single app. Testing mobile applications is a much more complex task than testing websites and the number of updates, types of devices and software updates coming every day makes it even harder to keep up with. Hence cost and market readiness are really important in future, Mobile app testing automation can be really vital.

7. API and Micro Services Test Automation

Microservice is basically a method of developing software to specifically test for any particular conditions. Types of services can be generated and by establishing a connection between them, the whole task can be divided into parts. In this, each service is created in such a way that it can perform a particular set of processes. This gives you the freedom to make changes in any smaller specific area of the application which requires changes instead of changing the whole system.

8. Increasing Adoption of Open Source Tools

Open source tools are really beneficial for business and are going to play a vital role in future too. There are many advantages of using Open Source Tools other than the cost, as it is a free to use and available to the public. It can be easily customizable, is more flexible than some expensive proprietary stuff and it is open for public. Users do have a hand in designing so it really gives you the freedom to design the way you want and there are many integrations for your powerful Test Automation too. A debatable point could be that of security, as being available to the public is not actually a definition of secure but when it goes through more sets of eyes the chances of finding out the bug and fixing it increases.

These are all talks about the methods and principles of Software Testing, which can be really important in changing and speeding the process. This will result in faster updates, better user experience and further advancement to the next level of computing.

If you want to get your software tested very well, you are free to contact JAIN SOFTWARE via the call on 0771-4700 300 or an email on global@jain.software.

TECHNOLOGY – I Can’t Live Without

By Author – Yasha Jain

Nowadays, Technology has taken an important place in our life. Almost everybody nowadays has already used technology in one way or another. This just means that the influence of technology is so boundless that it has already reached all of the people in the entire globe today.

Telephones and laptops have become very important around the world. Many people feel bad and lost when their cell phones are taken away. Digital has good and bad aspects. Technology has transformed how politicians and journalists do their business. They can send and receive messages or talk with someone everywhere.

However, too much technology can be bad for people. One study shows that 55 % of high school students spend 9 hours a day using the social network sites and just 1 hour to learn and read. The younger generation is not having face to face conversations but facebook to facebook conversations. Technology can also be bad for business. Many people think they can do a lot of things at the same time, it’s multitasking. Multitasking can affect the brain and can cause stress.

The advancement in technology has occurred rapidly over the past few generations but with this advancement became the depletion of our communication skill. The technology revolution brought with it internet, computers and mobiles phones all of which are the key factor in now dreadful communication skills. Though this new element in society such as texting and video gaming it has become rare to see people, mostly all teenagers, and children, are having a normal face to face discussion especially on the more sensitive topics. This is a social problem which needs to be addressed and solved by the society.

The occurrence of the network society brought about many benefits to the society but the detrimental loss of our communication skills is a major disadvantage to the society. Mobile phones allow fast and easy communication; however, it disallows many people to be comfortable with conversing or confronting people in a facing manner. And the addition of the world of video games to society is slowly helping in the process of cutting our youth off from basic and vital communication skills. This technology epidemic causing a major problem in our society and it should be addressed and solved.

Technology has grown at a massive pace. It’s hard to think of any arena of life or daily activity today which we don’t use technology for. In fact, technology has come so far that you might argue it’s hard to live without it. It’s not that it’s impossible- just that technology makes everything more convenient. It saves us time and makes even the most menial tasks more interesting. Here are some of the reasons it’s hard to imagine a life without technology.

When you think of entertainment, you’re likely to think of technology. People these days get their kicks from televisions, online videos, and gaming systems.

The technology in TVs today is incredible. We can now stream movies and TV shows directly from the internet. What’s more, you can watch in stunning, crystal-clear quality.

More people nowadays are turning to their computers and smartphones for entertainment. In fact apps like YouTube and Instagram give people hours of entertaining video content.

Even traditional forms of entertainment have met with technology. With so much entertainment available at the hands of technological devices, it’s hard to live without it.

My life would be so different without all these technologies. I would not be able to talk to my friends all the time. I probably would not be able to talk to them at all. I text my friends to high school to all the time. I also talk to my friends on my facebook. I would not be able to travel to that much places without the train. My life would be so different without my TV, computer phones, etc.

I do believe that I am very dependent on them. Sometimes I might take it to the next level. One time I woke up and went straight on to Facebook through my smartphone. I think about it now I did not even leave my bed and I was on facebook. Sometimes I will sit on the bed and be on the internet. So I guess I am dependent on technology because, without it, I will get very bored.

Mostly I am very dependent on technology. Most of the times, I have my smartphones with me. So I can listen to music, chat to friends, surf internet and watch videos when I travel. On my breaks between classes, I try to access internet on phone. I will use the internet to text my friend to the next classes.

Without technology, I fell disconnected from the world. I would not be able to talk my friends at all. I really think without technology I myself won’t be able to survive or might die of pure boredom.

In the world of technology, nobody likes to search through a bunch of old books for hours trying to find a small piece of information when you could have pages of all the facts you need with just the click of a mouse. Without having a computer to help me find information when I need it, my life would be a lot more complicated. With computers, almost any problem you have can be solved just by pressing a few buttons.

Although after this long concept, I can conclude Technology as An Addiction.

Paper Battery

Let us first know what is a Paper battery?

A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production device formed by combining carbon nanotube s with a conventional sheet of cellulose-based paper. A paper battery acts as both a high-energy battery and supercapacitor, combining two components that are separate in traditional electronics. This combination allows the battery to provide both long-term, steady power production and bursts of energy.In addition to being unusually thin, paper batteries are flexible and environmentally-friendly, allowing integration into a wide range of products. Their functioning is similar to conventional chemical batteries with the important difference that they are non-corrosive and do not require extensive housing.

How does Paper Battery work?

The conventional rechargeable batteries which we use in our day-to-day life consist of various separating components which are used for producing electrons with the chemical reaction of a metal and electrolyte. If once the paper of the battery is dipped in ion-based liquid, then the battery starts working i.e.,electricity is generated?by the movement of electrons from cathode terminal to anode terminal. This is due to the chemical reaction between the electrodes of paper battery and liquid. Due to the quick flow of the ions within a few seconds (10sec) energy will be stored in the paper-electrode during the recharging. By stacking various paper-batteries up on each other, the output of the paper battery can be increased.As the paper batteries are connected each other very closely for increasing their output, there is a chance of occurring short between the?anode terminal and cathode terminal. If once the anode terminal contacts with cathode terminal, then there will be no flow of current in the external circuit. Thus, to avoid the short circuit between anode and cathode a barrier or separator is needed, which can be fulfilled by the paper separator.

“Technology is driving the innovation. Technology is driving the creativity”

What are Paper Battery Properties?

The properties of the paper battery can be recognized from the properties of cellulose such as :-

• excellent porosity
• biodegradability
• non-toxic
• recyclability
• high-tensile strength
• good absorption capacity
• low-shear strength

also from the properties of carbon nanotubes such as low mass density, flexibility, high packing density, lightness, better electrical conductivity than silicon, thin (around 0.5 to 0.7mm), and low resistance.

Paper Battery Manufacturing:-

One method is to grow the nanotubes on a silicon substrate and then filling the gaps in the matrix with cellulose. When the matrix is dried, the material can be removed the substrate. Combining the sheets together with the cellulose sides facing inwards, the battery structure is formed. The electrolyte is added to the structure.

“Technology will not replace great teachers but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational”

Applications of Paper Batteries:

With the developing technologies and reduction in the cost of cathode nanotubes, these batteries find applications in the following fields:

• Nanotubes used for Paper Battery

Paper Battery= Paper (Cellulose) + Carbon Nanotubes

The paper battery can be used for various applications as it facilitates advantages such as folding, twisting, molding, crumpling, shaping, and cutting without affecting on its efficiency. As the paper batteries are the combination of cellulose paper and carbon nanotubes, which facilitates advantages of long-term usage, steady power, and bursts of energy. These types of paper batteries are estimated to use for powering the next generation vehicles and medical devices.

• Paper batteries in electronics

Paper batteries are used mainly in many electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptop batteries, calculators, digital cameras and also in wireless communication devices like mouse, Bluetooth, keyboard, speakers, and headsets.

• Paper batteries in medical sciences

Paper batteries are used in the medical field such as for making pacemakers for the heart, artificial tissues, drug delivery systems, cosmetics and in Biosensors.

• Paper batteries in automobiles and aircraft

Paper batteries are used in automobiles and aircraft such as in lightweight, guided missiles, hybrid car batteries, long air flights and in satellite programs for powering electronic devices.

This is all about the paper battery with its working principles and applications.

These batteries have the potential adaptability to power the next generation electronic appliances, medical devices and hybrid vehicles. So, these batteries could solve all the problems associated with conventional electrical energy storage devices. Furthermore, for any queries, regarding this article or any other?electrical projects, you can leave your comments, suggestions by commenting in the comment section below.

• Electrochemical Batteries

Electrochemical batteries can be modified to integrate the use of paper. An electrochemical battery typically uses two metals, separated into two chambers and connected by a bridge or a membrane which permits the exchange of electrons between the two metals, thereby producing energy. Paper can be integrated into electrochemical batteries by depositing the electrode onto the paper and by using paper to contain the fluid used to activate the battery. The paper that has been patterned can also be used in electrochemical batteries. This is done to make the battery more compatible with paper electronics. These batteries tend to produce low voltage and operate for short periods of time, but they can be connected in series to increase their output and capacity. Paper batteries of this type can be activated with bodily fluids which makes them very useful in the healthcare field such as single-use medical devices or tests for specific diseases. A battery of this type has been developed with a longer life to power?point of care?devices for the healthcare industry. The device used a paper battery made using a magnesium foil anode and a silver cathode has been used to detect diseases in patients such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, and osteoblastic bone cancer. The paper was patterned using wax printing and is able to be easily disposed of. Furthermore, this battery was developed at a low cost and has other practical application.

• Lithium-ion Batteries

Paper can be used in lithium-ion batteries as regular, commercial paper, or paper enhanced with single-walled carbon nanotubes. The enhanced paper is used as the electrode and as the separator which results in a sturdy, flexible battery that has great performance capabilities such as good?cycling, great efficiency, and good reversibility. Using paper as a separator is more effective than using plastic. The process of enhancing the paper, however, can be complicated and costly, depending on the materials used. A carbon nanotube and silver nanowire film can be used to coat regular paper to create a simpler and less expensive separator and battery support. The conductive paper can also be used to replace traditionally used metallic chemicals. The resulting battery performs well while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cost. Lithium-ion paper batteries are flexible, durable, rechargeable, and produce significantly more power than electrochemical batteries. In spite of these advantages, there are still some drawbacks. In order for the paper to be integrated with the Li-ion battery, complex layering and insulating techniques are required for the battery to function as desired. One reason these complex techniques are used is to strengthen the paper used so that it does not tear as easily. This contributes to the overall strength and flexibility of the battery. These techniques require time, training, and costly materials. Additionally, the individual materials required are not environmentally friendly and require specific disposal procedures. Paper lithium-ion batteries would be best suited for applications requiring a substantial amount of energy over an extended period of time. Lithium-ion paper batteries can be composed of carbon nanotubes and a cellulose-based membrane and produce good results but at a high price tag. Other researchers have been successful using carbon paper manufactured from pyrolyzed filter paper. The paper is inserted in between the electrode and cathode.The use of a carbon paper as an interlayer in Li-S batteries improves the batteries efficiency and capacity. The carbon paper increases the contact area between the cathode and the electrode which allows for greater flow of electrons. The pores in the paper allow the electrons to travel easily while preventing the anode and the cathode from being in contact with one another. This translates into the greater output, battery capacity and cycle stability; these are improvements to conventional Li-S batteries. The carbon paper is made from?pyrolyzed?filter paper which is inexpensive to make and performs like multi-walled carbon nanotube paper used as a battery.

• Biofuel Cells

Biofuel cells operate similarly to electrochemical batteries, except that they utilize components such as sugar, ethanol, pyruvate, and lactate, instead of metals to facilitate redox reactions to produce electrical energy. The enhanced paper is used to contain and separate the positive and negative components of the biofuel cell. This paper biofuel cell started up much more quickly than a conventional biofuel cell since the porous paper was able to absorb the positive biofuel and promote the attachment of bacteria to the positive biofuel. This battery capable of producing a significant amount of power after being activated by a wide range of liquids and then be disposed of. Some development must take place since some components are toxic and expensive.

Naturally occurring electrolytes might allow?biocompatible?batteries for use on or within living bodies. ?Paper batteries described by a researcher as a way to power a small device such as a pacemaker without introducing any harsh chemicals such as the kind that is typically found in batteries in the body.

Their ability to use electrolytes in the blood makes them potentially useful for medical devices such as?pacemakers,?medical diagnostic?equipment, and drug delivery?transdermal patches. German healthcare company KSW Microtech is using the material to power?blood?supply temperature monitoring.

• Supercapacitors

Paper battery technology can be used in?supercapacitors. Supercapacitors operate and are manufactured similarly to electrochemical batteries, but are generally capable of greater performance and are able to be recharged. Paper or enhanced paper can be used to develop thin, flexible supercapacitors that are lightweight less expensive. The paper that has been enhanced with carbon nanotubes is generally preferred over regular paper because it has increased strength and allows for easier transfer of electrons between the two metals. The electrolyte and the electrode are embedded into the paper which produces a flexible paper supercapacitor that can compete with some commercial supercapacitors produced today. A paper supercapacitor would be well suited for a high power application.

• Nanogenerators

Nanogenerators are a more recent device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Paper is desirable as a component of nanogenerators for the same reasons discussed above. Such devices are able to capture movement, such as body movement, and convert that energy into electrical energy that could power LED lights, for example.

“When you take technology and mix it with art, you always come up with something innovative”

Advantages of Paper Battery:-?

The composition of these batteries is what sets them apart from traditional batteries.

• Paper is abundant and self-sustaining, which makes paper cheap. Disposing of paper is also inexpensive since paper is combustible as well as biodegradable.
• Using paper gives the battery a great degree of flexibility.
• The battery can be bent or wrapped around objects instead of requiring a fixed casing.
• Being a thin, flat sheet, the paper battery can easily fit into tight places, reducing the size and weight of the device it powers.
• The use of paper increases the electron flow which is well suited for high-performance applications. Paper allows for capillary action so fluids in batteries, such as electrolytes, can be moved without the use of an external pump.
• Using paper in batteries increases the surface area that can be used integrate reagents. The paper used in paper batteries can be supplemented to improve its performance characteristics.
• Patterning techniques such as photolithography, wax printing, and laser micromachining are used to create hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections on the paper to create a pathway to direct the capillary action of the fluids used in batteries.
• Similar techniques can be used to create electrical pathways on paper to create paper electrical devices and can integrate paper energy storage.

Disadvantages

Although the advantages of paper batteries are quite impressive, many of the components that make them great, such as carbon nanotubes and pattering, are complicated and expensive.

“The science of today is the Technology of future”

Smart Note Taker

Smart Note Taker :-

The Smart Note Taker is such a helpful product that satisfies the needs of the people in today’s technological and fast life. This product can be used in many ways. The Smart NoteTaker provides taking fast and easy notes to people who are busy with something else. With the help of Smart NoteTaker, people will be able to write notes on the air, while being busy with their work

The written note will be stored on the memory chip of the pen and will be able to read in digital medium after the job has done. This will save time and ease life. The smart note taker is good and helpful for blinds that think and write freely. Another place, where this product can play an important role, is where two people talks on the phone. The subscribers are apart from each other while their talk and they may want to use figures or texts to understand themselves better. It’s also useful especially for instructions in presentations.

The instructors may not want to present the lecture in front of the board. The drawn figure can be processed and directly sent to the server computer in the room. The server computer then can broadcast the drawn shape through network to all of the computers which are present in the room. By this way, the lectures are aimed to be more efficient and fun. This product will be simple but powerful. The product will be able to sense 3D shapes and motions that user tries to draw. The sensed information will be processed and transferred to the memory chip and then will be monitored on the display device. The drawn shape then can be broadcasted to the network or sent to a mobile device.

“Technology is the best when it brings people together”

Technical Definition of Smart Note Taker:-

In order to meet the technical requirements of the product we need Operating System Like Windows or Linux in order to implement software part of the project, Displacement Sensors to recognize the displacement of the pen in three dimensions, parallel cable to communicate with computer, software to solve the displacement data and finds the individual coordinate displacements in three axes and transform the data into text format, analog to digital converter to process analog displacement data and convert them into digital format, switch to control the pen and Rechargeable battery.

• Analog to digital converter
• Software program to convert data into text or string format
• Operating System ??Parallel cable
• Switch
• Rechargeable battery
• Displacement Sensor

“It’s Not faith in technology, It’s Faith in People“

Note Taker for PC:-

PC Notes Taker is the world’s first device that captures natural handwriting on any surface onto a PC in real time. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays the user’s handwritten notes, memos or drawings on the computer, and stores the image for future use. PC Notes Taker is ideal for markets where the handwritten input is essential, such as health, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks.

Adds Handwriting Input to any Computer PC Notes Taker is the world’s first device that captures natural handwriting on any surface onto a PC in real time. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays the user’s handwritten notes, memos or drawings on the computer, and stores the image for future use. PC Notes Taker is ideal for markets where the handwritten input is essential, such as health, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks.

Features:-

Capture of handwriting from any plain paper or other writing surface Input of continuous writing up to A4 page size Insert sketches, signatures, equations, and notes into Word documents E-mail sketches or handwritten notes in any language using MS OUTLOOK Convert handwriting to digital text using MS word recognition engine Annotate, add comments, edit and draw in your own handwriting onto MS office documents Create instant messaging using ICQ

The Smart Pen system includes the Smart Pen and a pen cradle connected to an internet-enabled computer. As CRFs are filled out, the Smart Pen records each stroke. It identifies each CRF and where it is on the page through a very fine grid pattern that appears as a light gray background shading on the CRF. The Pen is then placed in the cradle, activating a password-protected Internet link to Health Decisions. Data are interpreted into fields and validation can occur immediately, with queries returned to sites quickly over the Internet. The process also creates an exact copy of the original CRF that can be read for notation and comparison with interpreted data fields. Health Decisions takes the best technology and applies it to your clinical trials.

“In Technology Whatever can be done will be done”

Note Taker for mobile:-

The Ultimate Handwriting Capture Device Mobile NoteTakerTM is the worlds first portable handwriting capture device based on natural handwriting as an input. Attach plain paper of any kind and use the Pegasus electronic pen to capture, store and share handwritten drawings, sketches, notes, and memos at meetings, lectures, and conferences.

Mobile NoteTakerTM has a built-in LCD to confirm input. The on-board flash memory can store up to 50 pages.

Features:-

Uses standard paper – no special paper required Stores up to 50 A4 pages Includes LCD to view and confirm input Operates both in mobile mode and when connected to PC, notebook or other device Connects to PC/Notebook via USB cable (included) Includes software for synchronization and management of stored files Writes directly into MS Office applications (in Connected mode) Allows file transfer over LAN, email, and instant messaging application (in connected mode).

Capture, Organize, and Share Your Notes Digitally-Anywhere, Anytime!
Mobile Mode Enables capture and storage of notes and sketches digitally at meetings, lectures, and conferences.

“Because People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”

Connected Mode

Synchronizes the Mobile NoteTakerTM and a PC/Notebook via USB cable (included). You can upload, organize, move, edit or add to handwritten notes, ideas, sketches, phone numbers, or reminders. The included software also enables memos, notes, and sketches to be sent via e-mail or over the LAN network. It is also possible to write directly into MS Word or Outlook, and add a personal touch to ICQ instant messages. Based on Pegasus successful PC Notes Taker, Mobile NoteTakerTM is the ultimate handwriting capture device. Everything you need to get started is right in the box. Even if you dont have standard size paper or piece of paper with you-you can use anything – an envelope, an old receipt, a tear-off from a paper bag and best of all in your own natural and writing.

As long as you have the Mobile NoteTakerTM, you can jot down your most inspired ideas and be sure that you will never lose them again.

Pill Camera

What is wireless capsule enteroscopy (Pill Camera)?

Wireless capsule enteroscopy also known as pill cam is a relatively new method of diagnosing diseases within the?small intestine.

For detecting diagnosis a pill-sized video capsule is swallowed, which slowly travels through your intestine before being naturally excreted. The capsule has its own built-in light and camera to take pictures of the walls of the intestine and detect bleeds or small intestine tumors, ulcers or abnormal vascular masses. 2-4 images are taken per second for up to 8 hours. The images are transmitted to a recorder that is worn around the waist.

You may require this investigation if you have abnormal bleeding or are suspected to have Crohn’s disease. This investigation is non-invasive and allows doctors to examine all three portions of the small intestine

• Duodenum,
• Jejunum and
• Ileum

which often cannot be reached by other imaging methods.
What is Capsule Endoscopy used for?

Capsule enteroscopy allows your doctor to visualize the small intestine which is often missed by conventional imaging methods such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy. The most common reason for ordering this investigation is to look for sources of bleeding. You may have noticed blood in yo ur vomit or faeces, or have unnoticed blood loss that can cause iron deficiency anaemia. This investigation can identify polyps, inflammatory intestine disease (Crohn’s disease or?ulcerative colitis), ulcers and tumors that may be the source of the bleeding. Such lesions may not have been found by previous investigations but once identified; your doctor can decide an appropriate course of management.

The other main use is for evaluating the extent of Crohn’s disease, which commonly affects the small intestine. This investigation is particularly useful for detecting early disease which may be missed by barium examination and CT. Also, it can be useful in patients who have symptoms which do not match the extent of disease (if any) seen by conventional imaging techniques.

Wireless capsule enteroscopy may have further indications in the future as it is safe, easy to perform, non-invasive and doesn’t require sedation. In particular, if techniques are invented that allow treatments or biopsies (tissue sampling) to be performed at the time of the procedure, it will become a very useful procedure.

It should be noted that this investigation may not always be the best for you. The images taken by the camera are of poorer quality than those obtained by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy. In addition, the camera may move too fast or slow to examine or the appropriate areas or be facing the wrong way and miss some lesions. Thus, it is only one possibility?of a series of investigations you may require in order for your doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
How do you prepare for the procedure?

Prior to the procedure, your doctor will explain what the procedure involves, risks, benefits and why it is indicated in your case. You will need to fast (don’t eat or drink) for around 10 hours before the investigation, as it is safest and produces the best results when the intestine is empty.

No fluid is taken for at least 2 hours and no food for a further 4 hours after swallowing the capsule. Oral medications can be taken after 2 hours if required.

If you are diabetic, the medication must be stopped during the fasting period and insulin use should be discussed with your doctor.

There is usually no need for intestine preparation, but strong colored tablets (e.g. iron tablets) should be avoided for about 24hrs before the procedure.
What does the procedure involve?

For the procedure, you will be required to swallow a 26x11mm endoscopy capsule equipped with a video camera, light source, radio transmitter, and batteries. The capsule is swallowed with a substance called simethicone, to prevent bubbles forming and interfering with the images.

The capsule passes naturally through your body via peristalsis (contraction and propelled by the muscular walls of the gastrointestinal tract) while it takes many images. The images are detected by a sensor device attached to your abdomen with 8 small aerials taped to the skin (similar to the electrodes used for an ECG). These are recorded and stored on the image recorder worn around your waist.

After approximately 8 hours you will be required to return to the medical center so the images can be downloaded and examined on a computer monitor by the physician. Around 50,000 images will be taken per investigation, so it can take a long time for these to be examined and processed. Your doctor will normally inform you of the results within a week.

You should pass the capsule naturally after 8-72 hours, but it can sometimes take up to two weeks. If you haven’t passed the capsule by this time, an X-ray may need to be performed to see if it is still present or obstructed. The capsule is discarded after it has been excreted.
What are the risks?

Capsule enteroscopy is a safe procedure and is well tolerated by most patients. Less than 1 in 10 people have difficulty swallowing the capsule, which has a gel coating to help you swallow it.

The main risk is retention of the capsule, which occurs in about 1 in a hundred people. The capsule becomes impeded by a stricture (narrowing) secondary to a tumor, inflammation or scarring from previous surgery. It is not dangerous in the short term, but you may require a surgical intervention to remove it. Obstruction may present as bloating, vomiting or pain. You should consult your doctor promptly if you experience these symptoms. In most cases, the capsule will pass naturally from the body without any problems.