Clear Fluids Guide
This guide is general education only - it is not medical advice and ScopeCoach is not a medical device. Hospitals differ, so always follow your own bowel preparation instructions. If they differ from this guide, your hospital's instructions win.
What counts as a clear fluid?
A clear fluid is generally a drink you can see through and that does not contain milk, pulp or solid pieces. Your own instructions decide exactly what is allowed and when you must stop drinking.
Common examples
- Water or sparkling water
- Clear apple juice without pulp
- Clear cordial, lemonade or ginger ale
- Clear electrolyte drinks in permitted colours
- Black tea or black coffee without milk, only if your instructions allow them
- Clear broth or strained stock with no pieces
- Jelly in a colour permitted by your hospital
Usually not clear fluids
- Milk and milk alternatives
- Juice with pulp, smoothies or thick drinks
- Soup containing vegetables, noodles or pieces
- Alcohol
- Drinks your instructions tell you to avoid, commonly red or purple and sometimes blue or green
Hydration reminder
Sip regularly while fluids are permitted. Contact your healthcare team if you cannot keep fluids down or are becoming unwell.