Virtual 3D Colonoscopy

Every year over 136,000 are predicted to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S. and over 50,000 are predicted to die of the disease.

Virtual colonoscopy is an imaging test performed on a computed tomography (CT) machine and uses software to create a 3D image of the interior lining of the large intestine, colon and rectum.

We encourage anyone over the age of 50 to be screened for polyps every 7-10 years. Those people with a history of polyps, colon cancer or the presence of blood in the stool should be screened every 5 years. Other patients who are recommended for a virtual colonoscopy are those who have had an incomplete colonoscopy, are low-to-average risk patients who prefer not to have a regular colonoscopy and patients who are unable to tolerate a regular colonoscopy. Please see your physician to obtain an order for your exam.

Unlike regular colonoscopies, virtual colonoscopy requires no sedation and no recovery time because it is a minimally invasive procedure performed using CT imaging.

Similar to regular colonoscopies, you must follow a bowel emptying regimen the day before the examination to enable clear images of the tissue. Your physician will provide you with the proper instructions for your examination prep.

These tests are currently performed at our Inova Alexandria and Inova Mt. Vernon facilities. Please call (571) 423-5400 to schedule your exam and reference which location you would like to have your exam performed at.