Rectal Expulsion Device (R.E.D.) Test in Los Angeles, CA
If chronic constipation is affecting your quality of life, help is available. The Rectal Expulsion Device (R.E.D.) test is a quick, in-office screening that helps our physicians determine whether your pelvic floor muscles are contributing to your symptoms. At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition, R.E.D. testing helps us choose the most effective treatment and decide whether further testing such as anorectal manometry is needed.
Request an AppointmentEvaluating Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation affects nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States and can significantly interfere with daily life. While occasional constipation is common, symptoms that last longer than two months may indicate a chronic condition. People experience constipation differently. Some have fewer than three bowel movements per week, while others struggle with incomplete emptying or alternating loose stools. Because chronic constipation can have several causes, a proper medical evaluation is important.
How R.E.D. Testing Helps
The Rectal Expulsion Device (R.E.D.) is a quick, in-office screening test that helps determine whether your pelvic floor muscles may be contributing to constipation. These muscles must relax and contract in coordination to allow stool to pass. If they are weak or poorly coordinated, constipation medications alone may not be effective. R.E.D. results help guide treatment, whether that means medication, pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, or a combination.
Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters
The pelvic floor supports the organs of the lower body and helps control bowel movements. When these muscles do not function properly, ongoing constipation can result. Pelvic floor physical therapy improves muscle strength, coordination, and endurance and supports surrounding tissues, offering a long-term solution for some patients.
Understanding R.E.D. Test Results
- Very fast emptying (under 5 seconds): may suggest weak pelvic floor muscles; physical therapy may be recommended.
- Normal emptying (5 to 120 seconds): pelvic floor muscles are likely not the cause; your provider may adjust or change medications.
- Delayed or no emptying (over 2 minutes): may indicate poor muscle coordination or weakness; pelvic floor therapy may help.
How R.E.D. Supports Anorectal Manometry
- Convenient in-office screening: performed during your clinic visit with no bowel preparation or enema required.
- Complements ARM: rapid results help determine whether you are a candidate for pelvic floor therapy or need further anorectal manometry.
- More physiologic testing: the proprietary R.E.D. balloon simulates the natural sensation of stool, providing more meaningful results than traditional air- or water-filled balloons.
- Greater efficiency: because sensation and expulsion are assessed during R.E.D., ARM testing takes less time.
- Better follow-through: patients who complete R.E.D. testing are more likely to participate in recommended treatment.
Billing and Insurance
R.E.D. is billed separately from ARM. Some insurance plans may cover this service. Although we do not bill insurance, we can provide a superbill for you to submit for possible reimbursement. Learn more about our full range of technical services.
R.E.D. Test FAQs
What is the R.E.D. test?
The Rectal Expulsion Device test is a quick in-office screening that measures how long it takes to expel a specially designed balloon, helping identify pelvic floor problems that contribute to constipation.
Do I need bowel prep for R.E.D.?
No. R.E.D. requires no bowel preparation or enema and can be performed during your clinic visit.
What do the results mean?
Very fast emptying may suggest weak muscles, normal emptying suggests the pelvic floor is likely not the cause, and delayed emptying may indicate poor coordination or weakness.
How is R.E.D. different from anorectal manometry?
R.E.D. is a fast screening test, while anorectal manometry provides detailed measurements of muscle and nerve function. R.E.D. helps determine who needs ARM.
Is R.E.D. covered by insurance?
Some plans may cover it. We do not bill insurance, but we can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement.
What treatments may follow an abnormal result?
Treatment may include pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, medication adjustments, and dietary changes.
Schedule a R.E.D. Test in Los Angeles, CA
Find out whether your pelvic floor is behind your constipation. Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 to schedule an evaluation.