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.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
