CT Angiography Test

CTA uses an injection of contrast material into your blood vessels and CT scanning to help diagnose and evaluate blood vessel disease or related conditions such as aneurysms or blockages. CTA is usually done in a radiology department or an outpatient imaging centre.

Inform your doctor if you believe you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies you have. You will be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure. If you are allergic to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications to take prior to the CTA exam to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave your jewellery at home. You might be required to wear a gown. Discuss your options with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

CT angiography is useful in examining blood vessels and the organs supplied by them in various parts of the body, including the brain, neck, heart, chest, and abdomen (such as the kidneys and liver) pelvic region, legs, and feet, hands and arms.

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your exam. For the procedure, you may need to change into a gown.

 

Metal objects, such as jewellery, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, can interfere with CT images. Leave them at home or take them off before your exam. Some CT scans will necessitate the removal of hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be required to remove bras with metal underwire. If possible, you should remove any piercings.

If your exam will use contrast material, your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the exam. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you may have. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications (usually a steroid) to reduce your chances of having an allergic reaction. Contact your doctor well in advance of your exam date to avoid unnecessary delays.

You may be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to or on the day of the procedure to ensure your safety. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand by a nurse or technologist. A small amount of blood is occasionally withdrawn via catheter or finger stick to test kidney function.

The technologist starts by placing you on the CT exam table, usually on your back. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and remain still during the exam.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads (sticky patches) will be placed on your chest during CT angiography of the heart to synchronise CT scanning with your heartbeats. If your heart beats too quickly, it may be temporarily slowed with medication in order to obtain clear images of the heart. You will be closely monitored during and after the procedure if you are given heart rate control medication.

During the scanning, the technologist may ask you to hold your breath. Artifacts on images can be caused by any motion, including breathing and body movements. This loss of image quality can be compared to the blurring seen in photographs of moving objects.

A CT (Computed tomography) Angiography Test (CTA) is typically performed in a hospital's radiology department or an outpatient imaging facility. So, for the best services and reliable results, schedule your test at Ganesh Diagnostic in Yamuna Vihar.