This screening exam evaluates the entire colon for polyps and early signs of cancer. A virtual colonoscopy requires NO sedation, is minimally invasive, more comfortable, safer and faster than a traditional colonoscopy. It is based on a MDCT scan of the abdomen and pelvis while the colon has been gently inflated with CO₂ from a small enema tip inserted into the rectum.

Virtual Colonoscopy Exam Guidelines

Preparation

• Prior to your scheduled appointment, Washington Imaging Services (WIS) will call you to discuss specific instructions, review your health and insurance information and answer any questions.
• A 24-hour bowel cleansing prep is required, just as in a conventional optical colonoscopy. This includes a liquid diet and the drinking of a bowel prep kit liquid. (You may pick up the kit at WIS or at you doctor’s office at the time of scheduling.) Follow the directions closely as bowel residue may interfere with polyp detection.
• For your convenience, print out and complete the appropriate Patient Forms, including Patient Registration and Patient History. Bring them with you to your appointment.
• Continue to take your routine medications.
• Take nothing by mouth 3 hours prior to your exam.
• Leave your valuables at home. All jewelry and any metal objects must be removed prior to the exam.
• Wear comfortable clothing without zippers, snaps or metal buttons. Or, you may change into a hospital gown or scrubs after arriving.
• Please notify the technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
• Please notify the technologist if you have had a barium study within the last 3 days.
• Please bring all relevant prior examination films or studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-rays, etc.) with you on the day of your exam.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

What to Expect During the Exam

• The technologist will help position you comfortably on a cushioned table. The table top will move through a gantry (shaped like a big donut) that has an x-ray tube on one side and an arc-shaped detector mounted on the opposite side.
• During each full rotation, a fan-shaped x-ray beam is passed through your body and an image of a thin section is acquired. The detector records about 1,000 images or slices of the expanded x-ray beam per rotation.
• A computer reconstructs the slices into two-dimensional (cross-sectional) and/or three-dimensional images of your internal anatomy. Normally an entire scan can be done with a single breath hold.
• Allow 10 minutes for the exam.

What to Expect After the Exam

• You may leave as soon as the exam is completed and resume normal activities.
• Your normal diet may be resumed.
• Your imaging study will be interpreted by an OIA board certified radiologist who specializes in the area of the body being scanned.
• Your referring physician will receive a report and pictures detailing the findings of your exam within 24 hours. You should contact your doctor to discuss the results.

Learn more about the Multi-Detector CT (MDCT) imaging equipment that will be used to conduct your exam.