Colonoscopy Scan Preparation
Required for Patients
This page includes only part of the instructions so please download this PDF document with link below to read the required information before your 3D Virtual Colonoscopy Scan.
CLICK HERE – Download Requirements Document
Virtual Colonoscopy Scan Preparations
(These prep instruction are for the colon scan only)
Please download the above detailed prep instructions for the virtual colonoscopy. Please budget about 60-90 minutes of your time, the exam itself is relatively short, but you will review your wellness program immediately after your scan that also take a short amount of time.
In order for you (the patient) to complete the examination, your colon must be cleansed of all fecal material. During the day before the procedure, you will need to take a laxative and will be required to restrict your diet. The combination of the diet and laxative is called the patient preparation phase (The Prep). During the exam, you must be able to hold your breath for 30 seconds and lie on your stomach or side.
During the test, a small rectal tube is inserted and air is instilled. You may experience mild cramping. A CAT scan is done in both the prone (on back) and supine (on front) positions. You will be in the room for approximately 30 minutes. Detailed prep instructions are on the following pages. The prep requires a clear liquid diet and laxatives that are purchased on your own.
Please notify your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need to take a modified preparation that is not listed here.
- Kidney disease
- Renal failure
- Heart failure
- Sodium restricted diet
- already used a laxative for a period longer than one week.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Do not use magnesium citrate solutions if you are on a low salt diet since those syrups usually contain a high level of sodium, under the form of sodium bicarbonate. Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if you are taking any other drug.