TOLL FREE:
1-866-611-2665
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic conditions that can both cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. However, despite having similar symptoms, the conditions are very different.
IBS is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, while IBD is inflammation or destruction of the bowel wall, which can lead to sores and narrowing of the intestines. It’s possible to have both IBD and IBS.
According to the Gastrointestinal Society, IBS could affect as many as 13-20% of Canadians and the lifetime risk for a Canadian to develop IBS is 30%. It can begin at any stage of life, resolve unexpectedly at various times, and then recur. It also seems to affect women more frequently than men.
IBD is a term for a broad spectrum of diseases, but Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common. The most common symptom is diarrhea, but other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, bloody stool, blocked bowels, fever, loss of body fluids and appetite, extreme weight loss, and anemia.
The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person and there is no medical test to specifically diagnose IBS. Part of the diagnostic process usually involves investigating for other diseases, including IBD.
Diagnosing IBD is complex and can take months. Your health care practitioner will review your family and medical history, discussing bowel function pattern and type of symptoms. You will likely be given a physical exam, and blood and other lab tests may be ordered. Medical imaging may also be ordered to help determine how much of the intestine is affected by IBD.
A virtual colonscopy is a minimally invasive computed tomography (CT) scan that uses low-dose X-rays to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It differs from a colonoscopy in that an endoscope is not used and your rectum is inflated with CO2, which is more comfortable and more readily absorbed by the body than room air.
The colon plays a key role in how we use the food we eat to fuel our bodies. Its main function is to process the liquid waste received from the small bowel into solid stool, ready for elimination.
Discussing any changes to bowel function or gastrointestinal symptoms with your health care practitioner is an important part of keeping your colon healthy and functioning at its best. According to the Gastrointestinal Society, only about 40% of those who have IBS symptoms seek help from a physician.
To determine whether a virtual colonoscopy is appropriate for you, you will need to discuss with your doctor your medical and family history, risk factors, and if there are symptoms, how long symptoms have been present and how they affect daily activities. Your doctor would then provide you with a requisition for this procedure, if appropriate.
In Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics offers virtual colonoscopy services as private pay exams, not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. If a private CT virtual colonoscopy is indicated as a best next course of action, a requisition will be provided and the appointment can be booked. Mayfair Diagnostics will schedule your exam and provide you with detailed information to prepare for it.
There is a 24-hour process to prepare for a virtual colonoscopy. You must irrigate the colon with laxatives and temporarily change your diet. The exam itself will take between 20-30 minutes.
A small tube will be inserted into your rectum to inflate your colon with CO2 until you feel full. During the exam, you will be asked to turn from your back to your stomach. On a few occasions, you will be asked to hold your breath (for 10-15 seconds) to help obtain specific images.
Once your exam is completed, your images will be reviewed by a specialized radiologist who will compile a report that is sent to your doctor.
Mayfair Diagnostics is owned and operated by over 50 radiologists who are sub-specialty trained, which guarantees an expert opinion of your imaging. Mayfair Diagnostics offers CT imaging at our Mayfair Place location. For more information, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2020) “The Colon: What it is, What it Does and Why it is Important.” www.fascrs.org. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Cleveland Clinic (2019) “Digestive Tract: Rectal and Colon Diseases and Conditions.” www.my.clevelandclinic.org. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Gastrointestinal Society, Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (2022) “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).” www.badgut.org. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Khatri, M. (2022) “IBD vs. IBS.” www.webmd.com. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Nall, R. (2017) “The Dangers of Untreated IBS-C/CIC.” www.healthline.com. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Trull. K. (2022) “Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs. Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” www.healthline.com. Accessed April 13, 2022.
Our Refresh newsletter delivers the latest medical news, expert insights, and practical tips straight to your inbox, empowering you with knowledge to enhance patient care and stay informed.
By subscribing to our newsletter you understand and accept that we may share your information with vendors or other third parties who perform services on our behalf. The personal information collected may be stored, processed, and transferred to a country or region outside of Quebec.
Please read our privacy policy for more details.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
