Home Virtual Colonoscopy
A virtual colonoscopy is a minimally invasive computed tomography (CT) scan that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps and masses, diverticulosis (pouches in the colon), and cancer.
Please read and follow the instructions in your kit carefully. The prep kit materials are designed to cleanse your bowel for your exam; if it is not completely clean, we may have to repeat the exam. Any remaining stool may also hide serious conditions.
Around 6 p.m. After a normal evening meal, start a CLEAR FLUID DIET. This includes:
Take any required medications with water. If you are diabetic, please call 403.777.3000 for further directions.
8 a.m. (breakfast) | Dissolve one package of Purg-odan into a glass of cold water. Drink this glass followed by an equal or larger glass of clear fluid. Drink another 4-5 glasses of clear fluid over the next hour.
The first bowel movement should occur within one hour after finishing the Purg-odan. Stay close to a washroom, as you will experience frequent bowel movements. |
9 a.m. | Drink 112ml of the E-Z-CAT oral barium solution. |
12 p.m. (lunch) | Drink an additional 112ml of the E-Z-CAT oral barium solution. |
5-6 p.m. (dinner) | Take the second package of Purg-odan as per the breakfast instructions, followed by 4-5 additional glasses of clear fluid over the next hour. |
8 p.m. | Drink the Omnipaque (20ml) mixed with 240ml of clear fluid. Continue to drink clear fluids.
Insert one Bisacodyl rectal suppository. This should empty your bowel of any residual fluid. |
12 a.m. (midnight) | No fluids after midnight. |
We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor in a timely manner. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.
In Calgary, CT exams are provided at our Mayfair Place location as private pay exams and are not covered by Alberta Health Care. A virtual colonoscopy is $930. We offer a 10% Seniors discount (65+) that can be applied to the total CT exam.
Your health spending account or group medical insurance plan may cover the cost of a private CT that is prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. You will need to check with your plan administrator for coverage details.
Please note that if contrast is needed, it’s an additional cost of $125.
Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).
Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.
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Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.
Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):
A cause of pain or swelling.
Lymph nodes or blood vessels.
The kidney or bladder.
The liver, pancreas, or spleen.
The small or large bowel.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?
WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.