A pill colonoscopy prep exists: SUTAB's 24 tablets clean about as well as liquid in trials but cost more and aren't always covered.

Colonoscopy prep is the part everyone dreads — but it's fixable. Chill the solution, finish the second dose on time, and know when your colon is ready.

What to eat before a colonoscopy comes down to two phases—low-fiber foods for several days, then clear liquids—and a few drinks to skip entirely.

Preparing for a colonoscopy is mostly about timing: a clear-liquid day, split-dose prep, and a ride you arrange ahead. Here's the full day-by-day plan.

By the end of this guide you'll know which colorectal screening test fits your situation, exactly how to prepare for a colonoscopy, and what your results actually mean. You'll also understand what it should cost—and how to avoid a surprise bill on a screening that's supposed to be free.