A CT angiography is a painless procedure to look at the blood vessels in various areas of the body. For this procedure, a large X-ray machine, called a CT scanner, takes detailed pictures of blood vessels that have been injected with a contrast dye.

A CT angiography allows your healthcare provider to see how well blood is flowing to the area of your body that is being checked. Your healthcare provider will be able to see if there are any problems, such as a blockage.

Tell a healthcare provider about:

• Any allergies you have. This is especially important if you have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast dye or iodine.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any bleeding problems you have.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• Whether you are breastfeeding.

• Any anxiety disorders, long-term (chronic) pain, or other conditions you have that may increase your stress or prevent you from lying still.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

• Wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewellery, glasses, dentures and hearing aids.

• Follow instructions from your healthcare provider about eating and drinking. These may include not eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure. The contrast dye can cause nausea, but this is less likely if your stomach is empty.

• Ask your healthcare provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.

• You will be asked to lie on an examination table. This table will slide in and out of the CT machine during the procedure.

• Contrast dye will be injected into the IV tube. You might feel:

  • Warm or flushed.

  • A metallic taste in your mouth.

  • That you have to pass urine.

• The person running the machine will give you instructions while the scans are being done. You may be asked to:

  • Keep your arms above your head.

  • Hold your breath.

  • Stay very still, even if the table is moving.

• When the scanning is complete, you will be moved out of the machine.

• The IV tube will be removed.

The procedure may vary among healthcare providers and hospitals.

What can I expect after the procedure?

• For a few minutes after the procedure, it is common to have:

  • A metallic taste in your mouth from the contrast dye.

  • A feeling of warmth.

• It may be up to you to get the results of the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Follow these instructions at home:

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• You have any symptoms of allergy to the contrast dye. These include:

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Rash or itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).

  • A racing heartbeat.

• You have redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or pain around the IV tube insertion site.

Summary

• A CT angiography is a procedure to look at the blood vessels in various areas of the body.

• Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have. This is especially important if you have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast dye or iodine.

• The IV contrast dye can make you feel warm, flushed, or the need to pass urine. You may also have a metallic taste in your mouth. These feelings may last for a few minutes.

• After the procedure, if told, drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This will help to flush the contrast dye out of your body.

• Contact a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of allergy to the contrast dye.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.