Our Services

Depending on the exact test being ordered, we are able to use the results to evaluate one or more of the following:

• Heart muscle
• The coronary arteries and/or veins
• The pulmonary arteries and/or veins
• The thoracic aorta
• The pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)

How to prepare:

• Avoid any caffeine for 12 hours before your test. This includes decaffeinated beverages, energy drinks, chocolate, and medications that contain caffeine.
• Do not eat for 4 hours before your test you may drink water and other clear liquids up to 1 hours before test.
• If you are diabetic, hold your Metformin (Glucophage) and Glucovance for 2 days before your test and 2 days after test.
• Do not use Viagra or Levitra for 24 hours before and after your test.
• Do not use Cialis for 48 hours before or after your test.

Tell your technologist, nurse, and your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or may be pregnant, or are nursing
• Have an allergy to iodine
• Are allergic to or intolerant of beta-blockers
• Have asthma
• Have any problems with your kidneys

Tell your technologist, nurse, and your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or may be pregnant, or are nursing
• Have an allergy to iodine
• Are allergic to or intolerant of beta-blockers
• Have asthma
• Have any problems with your kidneys

What to expect:

• Upon arrival you will be asked to provide insurance information - please bring your insurance cards with you.
• You will be escorted to the CT department to get prepped for your test.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown (undressing from the waist up only).
• A nurse or tech will start an I.V. into a vein in your arm to administer medications (if needed) and the contrast (dye) during your test.
• If you are having a coronary CT angiogram, you may be given medications to help lower your heart rate. The scan cannot be done until you have reached an adequate heart rate. You may be here for up to 2 1/2 hours total.
• You will lie on a scanning table with your arms above your hear for 10-15 minutes while the CT scan is done.
• You will be given a nitroglycerin tablet to dissolve under your tongue as this helps to dilate your coronary arteries.
• During the scan, you will receive the contrast dye through your I.V. It is normal to feel a warm sensation as the dye circulates through your body.
• Once the technician has all the information that is needed, you will be monitored for 10-30 minutes after the test. The I.V. will be removed before you are discharged home.
• After your test you can eat and resume your normal activities. If you were given IV medications to lower your heart rate, you may feel tired.
• The doctor who ordered your test will contact you with your results within a few days.