C-Scan’s recorder unit uses RF communication to control, track and receive data from the capsule. Photo courtesy of Check-Cap

Colonoscopies can detect early colon cancer and save lives, but the preparation and procedure are so unpleasant that many people choose to avoid this screening test. In March, we reported on a noninvasive alternative that won CE approval in Europe and has since been approved for a pilot study in the United States.

Check-Cap’s C-Scan ingestible x-ray capsule – requiring no laxative preparation — passively collects data enabling generation of 2D and 3D maps of the colon before the capsule is eliminated naturally. Physicians look at the maps on a clinical data viewer to identify any abnormalities needing further examination.