Eligibility

 

Who can receive a virtual colonoscopy?

 

• Any male or female over the age of 50 with NO known conditions that may require a referral to the Gastroenterology (GI) clinic for further evaluation.  (Refer to list under “Who would better benefit from an optical colonoscopy”)

 

• Any male or female over the age of 40 with positive family history of colon cancer.  (First-degree relatives such as, father, mother, brother, or sister)

 

Who would better benefit from an optical colonoscopy?

 

• If you have any of the following medical conditions, please be advised that a referral to the Gastroenterology (GI) clinic would be more appropriate:

 

• History of a positive fecal occult blood test within six months.  (Three stool specimens are collected and applied to chemically treated cards, the cards are then tested in a laboratory for evidence of blood)
• History of iron deficiency anemia within six months
• History of pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps
• History of colon cancer
• History of inflammatory bowel disease
• Rectal bleeding within the past 12 months.  (Bright red blood in the toilet)
• Unintentional weight loss greater than 10 pounds within the past 12 months