Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography

PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Patient Name _____________________________________________      Test Date  ___ / ___ / ___     

CTA of ___________________________________________________    Test Time  _____  am / pm

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.  Wear comfortable clothing.  Shirts should not have metal snaps or buttons.  Women will be asked to remove under-wire bras prior to testing. 

DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Do not have any products that contain caffeine 12 hours before your test (e.g., chocolate, cola, coffee, tea, decaf products and some medications). 

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

3.     Do not eat solid food 4 hours before your test.  

4.     You may have clear, non-caffeinated liquids up to 1 hour before your test.

MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS

5. 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)   

 6. 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 24 hours before 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

7. CTA of HEART PATIENTS ONLY:  Your physician may order the following medication for you to take 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 

FEMALE PATIENTS ONLY:  If you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant, please

                                                 inform your physician.