CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA) Scans

• Fast (avoid heavy meals) 4 hours prior to the exam, can keep taking your usual medication
  
• Arrive 1 hour prior to appointment.
• Notify our staff of any allergies (particularly previous contrast allergy)
  
• No caffeine (coffee) 24 hours prior to scan.
• No exercise on the day of the scan and no smoking 4 hours prior.
• Do not use Viagra or similar medications 36 hours prior.
• Drink 3 - 4 glasses of water prior to the study.
• If you are a diabetic on any oral medication containing Metformin, or if you have kidney disease, bring a copy of recent kidney function test.
• If possible, have someone accompany you. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded after the scan and may not be able to drive for 1-3 hours

Referring for CTCA, or computed tomography coronary angiography, is often done to further evaluate patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). CTCA is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computed tomography to visualize the coronary arteries. It provides detailed images of the coronary arteries and can detect blockages or narrowing of these vessels.

• Upon check in, our staff will ask you to fill out a form. This is to gather your background medical history and to ensure you can safely undergo a CTCA.
• You will be taken into a room where one of our radiographers will check your heart rate using an ECG. This will then be reviewed by one of our Radiologist to ensure your heart rate is within desired parameters. If your heart rate is above 60 beats per minute, you may be given an oral beta-blocker medication to lower it. Our staff will monitor your heart rate until it has lowered to an adequate level.
• You will be taken to the CT room. Before commencement of your scan, nitroglycerine will be sprayed in your mouth to dilate your coronary arteries.
• You will be asked to lay down on the CT bed. A cannula will be inserted into a vein of your arm and used to inject some iodine contrast agent.
• The scan will then start. Multiple images of your coronary arteries will be taken, and you will be asked to hold your breath for 10-12 seconds each time a new image is recorded (as breathing might reduce image quality). You can expect this to last between 20-30 minutes.

On average, you can expect to be with us for 1-2 hours when coming for a CTCA. This includes the necessary time to monitor your heart rate pre-CT, as well as scanning and post-CT monitoring. However, please note that in some cases you could be with us for a longer period, particularly if you needed to take medications to slow your heart rate.

If you have been referred for a CTCA by a Specialist (i.e., cardiologist), this scan will be covered by Medicare. If you received your referral from a General Practitioner, there will be an out of pocket cost. Please enquire with our reception staff for an accurate quote.