The radiographer performing your CTCA scan will provide you with a full explanation of the procedure on the day. They will perform a set of observations, which include recording your blood pressure and heart rate.

Depending on your heart rate and blood pressure, a Cardiac Radiologist may prescribe some beta blocking medication to reduce your heart rate. These medications require 45-60 minutes to take effect, and most patients won’t notice any difference. 

After you have completed the pre-examination assessment and your heart rate is within the acceptable scanning range, you may be asked to change into a gown. A technician will then position you on the table and connect you to a heart monitor via several ECG leads placed on your chest. A cannula will then be inserted into one of your arm veins. 

Immediately prior to the scan, Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the form of a spray will be administered under your tongue. This causes your coronary arteries to dilate, making it easier to accurately assess the heart vessels on your scan. The GTN may give some people a mild headache, but this generally only lasts for 10-20 mins. 

During the scan, CT contrast will be injected through your cannula. As the contrast circulates through your body, you may notice a warm sensation and/or a metallic taste or smell in your mouth or throat. This is normal and generally only lasts for about 30 seconds. You will also be asked to hold your breath several times during the scan for periods of up to 15 seconds.  

The scan itself does not take very long, however, you should allow about 2 hours for your appointment, as the process includes a pre-examination assessment, administration of beta-blockers if required, the CT scan itself, and post-procedure care. 

A low and steady heart rate is essential for a CTCA scan, so please avoid the following before your scan: 

• No products containing caffeine for 24 hours before your scan. This includes tea, coffee, cola, soft drinks, all energry drinks, chocolate, red wine etc.
• No Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, or any medication used for erectile dysfunction for 24 hours
• No strenuous exercise on the day of your scan 

Fasting: 

• No food for 2 HOURS before your scan time, but please drink 1 litre of water 1.5 hours before your appointment time (you can empty your bladder when needed)
• No smoking for 3 HOURS prior to your scan

Medications: 

DO NOT STOP taking any medications, unless specifically told to do so. This MUST be confirmed by YOUR Doctor.

Please wear loose clothing to your appointment, preferably with no metal. In some instances, you may be given a gown to wear, as some materials and embellishments may show up on an x-ray.

You may be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving any valuables at home.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient. 

All CTCA examinations are performed using the lowest radiation dose possible, to produce the required diagnostic images. The risks from this small amount of radiation are very low and health experts feel that the benefits of the diagnostic information obtained will outweigh any potential risks. 

Another risk associated with a CTCA scan is having an allergic reaction to either the CT Contrast or Beta blocking mediation. Reactions to these medications are rare and reactions can range from very mild to moderate and in very rare cases to a severe reaction requiring emergency medical treatment. 

If you have any concerns about the risks associated with this scan, please contact your referring practitioner. 

A CTCA scan does not require any specific after care. After your scan, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner. 

If you have been referred by a specialist, your CTCA scan will be bulk billed, and you will not incur an out-of-pocket expense, provided all Medicare eligibility requirements have been met. Referrals from your GP will incur an out-of-pocket expense, and a customer service team member will be able to provide you with information about this when you make a booking.