How do I prepare for this procedure?
A nurse will call you a few days before our Coronary CT scan to review your medical history, give you specific instructions needed for the test and answer any questions you may have.
It is important that you do the following before the examination:
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine for 12 hours before your scan time
- Drink clear liquids only for 3 hours before your scan time
- Do not eat solid foods for 6 hours before your scan time
- Take all of your regularly scheduled medications
- Bring a complete list of your current medications
- Arrange for a ride home, driving may not be allowed after the examination
- Inform the scheduling department if you are taking a beta blocker such as Toprol, Atenolol, Metoproplol, Tenormin, Cartrol, or Coreg
If you have an iodine allergy or are taking Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glucovance® (Metformin), you will be given special medication instructions. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully.
For dialysis patients, the examination may need to be scheduled on the same day as your dialysis treatment.
Patients over the age of 70 or those having known risk factors may require kidney function tests.
You will need to wear a gown for this exam. Gowns will be provided. You will be shown to a dressing area for changing into the gown and will need to remove any loose or hanging jewelry, such as necklaces. It is not usually necessary to remove rings or watches, but you may choose to do so for comfort and security.