The Examination Preparing Once your physician has decided that this exam is appropriate for you and has prescribed it for you, you will be instructed to keep well hydrated and drink plenty of clear fluids but avoid solid food for four hours prior to the examination. On arrival to Westside Medical Imaging you will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire and present your current insurance information. You should inform the receptionist if you have: any allergies but particularly any allergies to iodinated contrast agents (dye) used in many radiological procedures or allergy to shellfish Any history of asthma

Upon completion of a healthcare questionnaire, you will be brought to the changing room where a gown will be provided for you. The examination is non-invasive and nearly painless. A small intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm that will be used to inject the contrast agent. Unlike a MRI scanner which can be a very claustrophobic experience, the CT scan is a doughnut shaped structure that does not have this effect.

Because the best images of the coronary artery are obtained with a heart rate or pulse of 55-70 beats per minute, you may be provided a beta blocker (metoprolol, carvedilol or atenolol) to take about two hours prior the examination. If your heart rate is not optimal at the time of the examination, you may be given a short acting intravenous dose of a beta blocker to achieve the ideal heart rate for optimal imaging.

At the time that the images are obtained, you will be asked to hold your breath for about ten seconds and avoid movement. It is normal to feel a warm sensation for about ten seconds when the dye is given. Following your examination, you will be able to change back into your regular clothes. Some preliminary findings may be discussed with you immediately following the exam; however your CT scan must go through computer based processing and then be read by an experienced interventional cardiologist trained to read CT coronary angiography. It usually takes one hour or less from the time you arrive at the imaging center until the exam is completed. Under most circumstances, you and your physician will be provided a reading of this examination within two business days.

Once the CT staff is sure that enough information has been collected, you may leave and go about your normal activities without restriction.