Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography

PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

 

Patient Name ______________________________________________        Test Date  ___ / ___ / ___    

 

CTA of ____________________________________________________       Test Time  _____  am / pm

 

Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.

 

CTA of HEART PATIENTS ONLY:  You will need to take the following medications before your test:

­  Metoprolol – 50 mg late the night before your test (as close to midnight as possible)

­  Metoprolol – 50 mg 1 hour before your test

 

ALL CTA PATIENTS

 

1.    If you have had any previous allergic reactions to contrast media (x-ray dye), please let your physician or the medical staff know immediately.  You may be given a prescription for the following medication:

­  Prednisone – 60 mg the night before your test

­  Prednisone – 60 mg the morning of your test

In addition to this prescription, you will need to take the following over the counter medications prior to your test:

­  Benadryl – 25 mg the morning of your test

­  1 of the following the morning of your test – Pepcid (20 mg), OR Zantac 75 (1 tablet), OR Tagamet HB 200 (1 tablet)   

 

3.    Patients are advised to take all medications as prescribed the morning of the test with the exception of the following:

­  Glucophage and Metformin – do not take the day of or 48 hours after your test

­  Medications for erectile dysfunction:

-   Viagra or Levitra – do not take 24 hours prior to your test

-   Cialis – do not take 48 hours prior to your test

­  Decongestants  – do not take 24 hours prior to your test unless otherwise instructed by your physician

­  Migraine medication – do not take 24 hours prior to your test

 

4.    It is important that you do not have any products that contain caffeine 12 hours before your test (e.g., chocolate, cola, coffee, tea, decaf products and some medications).

 

5.    Do not use any tobacco products 6 hours before your test.

 

6.    Do not eat anything 4 hours before your test.  Water or clear fluids are allowed up to one hour prior to the test.

 

7.    Please wear comfortable clothing.  Shirts should not have metal snaps or buttons.  Women will be asked to remove under-wire bras prior to testing.

 

8.    FEMALE PATIENTS ONLY:  If you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant, please inform your physician.