RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Use of Robot Assisted Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy in Patients With Iron Deficiency Anaemia

This study is for people in Edinburgh who have ongoing iron deficiency anaemia, where doctors haven't found the cause with usual stomach or bowel tests. It’s looking at a new, less invasive way to check the small bowel, and potentially the upper gut, using a special camera pill that's guided by a magnetic 'robot'. The main goal is to see if this new system can safely replace some existing tests. This could make investigations more comfortable for patients, reduce stress, and help busy hospital departments by streamline the process. The study is comparing findings from this new capsule with standard endoscopy results.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

100

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

What is this study about?

This study is looking for a better way to find the cause of iron deficiency anaemia when previous tests haven't given an answer. Specifically, it's for people whose anaemia hasn't been explained by a camera test down their throat (an endoscopy) or a camera test up from their back passage (a colonoscopy).

Doctors need to check the long, winding tube called the small bowel to see if there's any bleeding or other problems causing the low iron. Usually, this means another type of camera pill, but this new study uses a special 'robot-assisted' camera capsule. This clever capsule can be guided using magnets, allowing doctors to look at both the upper part of your digestive system (like your food pipe and stomach) and your small bowel all in a single visit.

The main idea is to see if this magnetic capsule can safely and effectively replace some of the traditional, more uncomfortable camera tests for both the upper gut and the small bowel. If successful, it could mean less discomfort and worry for patients, and help hospitals manage their busy clinics more efficiently by offering a more streamlined investigation.

Key takeaways

Tests a new magnetic camera pill for iron deficiency anaemia.
Aims to check both upper gut and small bowel in one go.
Could be less uncomfortable and stressful than traditional tests.
Takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland.
For adults (18+) with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 or older) who has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia. This could be a new diagnosis or if it keeps coming back. It's important that earlier tests on your stomach and bowel (like an endoscopy or colonoscopy) haven't found the reason for your low iron.

This study is looking for people who would normally be scheduled for a small bowel camera pill test anyway, or those who might have been asked to 'wait and see' before having that test.

You cannot join if you have a known blockage in your gut, have had certain types of abdominal surgery, or have trouble swallowing. People with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other electronic implants, or any metal fragments in their body, also can't take part. If you're pregnant, might be pregnant, or are already involved in another research study, you won't be able to join either. You also need to be able to understand and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have ongoing iron deficiency anaemia that doctors haven't found a cause for yet?
Have you already had stomach (endoscopy) and bowel (colonoscopy) tests that didn't find the cause?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other electronic implant?
Are you NOT pregnant and do you NOT have a known gut blockage?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have a single visit at the Leith Community Treatment Centre in Edinburgh. During this visit, you will swallow a special camera capsule. This capsule will then be guided through your upper digestive system and small bowel using a magnetic 'robot'. The doctors will be comparing the findings from this new capsule system with results from standard camera tests.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you might receive a less invasive and potentially more comfortable way to find the cause of your iron deficiency anaemia compared to traditional procedures. This new method could also examine both your upper gut and small bowel in one go, saving you time and stress. As with any medical procedure, there's always a small risk of issues, such as the capsule getting stuck, though this is rare. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Leith Community Treatment Centre
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

It means your body doesn't have enough red blood cells because you're low on iron, which can make you feel tired and weak.

What is a 'camera pill'?

It's a small capsule with a tiny camera inside that you swallow. It takes pictures as it travels through your digestive system.

How is this 'robot-assisted' camera pill different?

This new camera pill can be guided by magnets, allowing doctors to control its movement and look at both your upper gut and small bowel in one go.

Where does the study take place?

The study takes place at the Leith Community Treatment Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Do I need to stop any medications to take part?

The study information doesn't mention stopping medications, but this is an important question to ask the study team or your doctor.

How to find out more

John N Plevris, MD, DM, PhD(E), FRCPE, FEBGH

j.plevris@ed.ac.uk 0131 242 1631 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.