Preparation

Patient preparation plays a key role in the acquisition of high quality data to ensure a fast and accurate diagnosis, and better treatment planning.

You should refrain from food for at least 4 hours before the examination. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, or caffeinated sodas.

You should not smoke for 24 hours prior to your scan

It is essential that you inform the radiographer if you suffer from conditions like diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart condition, kidney problems and/or any drug allergies.

You will be given oral beta blocker to take one hour before the scan to ensure that the heart rate is low enough.

You will be asked to give a written consent for the examination.

Examination

You will be asked to change into an examination gown and remove any metallic object around the chest. We will have a secure, and individual changing room for your use during your visit.

In the examination room, you will be positioned on the CT table and the radiographer will place a small needle in your arm. You may also be given medication either intravenously to help to lower your heart rate and ensure optimal imaging results.

Once the scanning has started, the table will slide very slowly into a large circular opening that looks like the hole in a doughnut. You will be in constant communication with the radiographer via an intercom, should you require any assistance during the scan. You may hear a whirring sound from the scanner as the machine rotates around you.

Once the radiographer defines the scanning protocol, you will receive a contrast injection into your arm or groin to highlight the coronary arteries. When being administered this contrast medium, you may feel a warm, flushed sensation and may feel a metallic taste in your mouth. This is a normal occurrence and will disappear very quickly.

It is important to keep still during the scan. The radiographer will ask you to hold your breath for a short time. This is important to ensure high quality of images.
The scanning of the heart takes only 12 to 15 seconds but the whole examination will takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.