Normal Virtual Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation
Step #1: At least three days before your examination
Please come to Canada Diagnostic Centres to pick up the Bowel Preparation Kit (no extra charge). If you are unable to pick this up from our centre, we can have it sent to you via mail, but please indicate this to us in advance.
| PREPARATION KIT |
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With any medication there is always a very small risk of an allergic reaction, although the risk with Telebrix and Readi-Cat Barium is extremely rare. For individuals with a history of allergies, previous allergic reactions, asthma, eczema, a family history of allergy or a previous reaction to a radiology contrast agent, the risk may be slightly increased.
DO NOT USE THIS PREPARATION IF:
- You are on a sodium restricted diet
- You have kidney disease
Step #2: Two days before your examination
(day #1 of prep)
A low residue diet must be followed using the following suggestions (see table below). After dinner, drink half of one 450 ml bottle of Readi-Cat Barium from the Prep Kit (white chalky tasting liquid) with fruit juice as needed. Save the other half of the bottle for tomorrow.
Diet Guidelines
Two Days before your examination (day #1 of prep)
| FOODS | ALLOWED | PLEASE AVOID |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy: | Low fat milk, plain yogurt, cottage cheese; limit to two cups per day | Yogurt with fruit skins or seeds, strongly flavoured cheeses |
| Meats | Broiled, boiled or baked: fish, poultry (three) servings, eggs (two) | Added fats, gravies, fried sauces, heavy seasonings |
| Potato/Substitute: | White rice, spaghetti noodles, macaroni, potato with no skin | Potato with skin, brown rice |
| Bread/cereal: | White (refined) breads, (three servings) saltine crackers, cooked rice, cream of wheat, puffed rice or rice krispies | Whole grain (graham, bran, cornmeal) |
| Beverages: | Decaf coffee or decaf tea, fruit flavoured drinks | All others |
| Soup: | Bouillon/broth, strained soups. Soups made with allowed vegetables & meats | All others |
| Dessert: | Gelatin, fruit ice, Popsicle (no red colour). Applesauce, ripe bananas, plain hard candies | Coconut, nuts, seeds |
| Vegetables: | Cooked fresh, frozen or canned carrots, beets or asparagus tips | All others |
| Miscellaneous: | Salt, pepper, jelly, sugar, honey | Garlic, cloves, seed spices, butter, BBQ sauce, peanut butter, jams, mayonnaise, marmalades, mustard, ketchup |
* It is imperative that you avoid all fatty foods as well as caffeine.
Step #3: One day before your examination
(day #2 of prep)
| TIME | INSTRUCTION |
|---|---|
| All Day | Follow a restricted diet consisting of clear liquids (see below). Drink plenty of fluid throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Before starting your bowel prep, make sure you are close to the restroom. |
| Noon | Drink last half of the (450 mL) bottle of Readi-Cat Barium. |
| 3:00 pm | Drink half of the 120 ml bottle of Telebrix (brown bottle) mixed with 8 oz fruit juice or clear drink. Throw the other half in the garbage (not needed). Follow with 3-4 8 oz. cups of clear fluids over the next three hours. |
| 6:00 pm | Have a clear liquid dinner. After dinner, drink the 300ml bottle of Magnesium Citrate Solution. It's best to drink it as quickly as possible rather than slowly sipping it. This will cause you to have repeated loose stools (diarrhea), which is the expected result. It typically works within 30 minutes after drinking the Magnesium Citrate Solution, but may take as long as 3 hours. You just need to be patient. Just remember to stay close to a bathroom. Have 3-4 more cups of 8 oz. fruit juice or clear drink over the next two hours. |
| 9:00 pm | Take four Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets. Follow with four to eight 8 oz. cups of water throughout the evening. |
| CLEAR LIQUID DIET |
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Step #4: The day of your examination
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING ON THE DAY OF YOUR EXAMINATION.
