CT Angio Carotid Test

CT Angio Carotid or computed tomography angiography is a computerized procedure that helps to visualize the arterial and venous vessels in the body. This includes viewing the arteries that supply blood from the brain to the kidneys, lungs, arms and legs. A CT scan also allows the technician to see narrow or blood vessel areas as well. This test also reveals if there is a bulge (aneurysm) or a fatty material buildup of blood vessels known plaque or not. The coronary arteries can also be viewed with this test. For this, the patient gets injected with an intravenous injection of radiocontrast allowing scan done by a high speed CT scanner to diagnose coronary artery disease.

Wear comfortable clothes, preferably loose clothing for the examination. The hospital might provide you with a gown for the procedure. Apart from this suggestion is to:

• Remove any metal object like dentures, that you are wearing.
• Do not wear any jewelry, eyeglasses or any hairpin, prior to your examination.
• Do not wear any dental work or hearing aid.
• Do not wear a bra with metal underwire. If you do, you will be prompted to remove it.
• Do not wear any body piercing, unless it's un-removable .
• Restrain from drinking and eating, few hours ahead of examination.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medication or are allergic to any contrast material.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CT Angio Carotid examination is used to check the functionality of the blood vessels and the condition of the organs to which blood is being supplied to like:

• Neck
• Brain
• Chest
• Heart
• Leg and Feet
• Pelvis
• Abdomen (Kidneys and liver)

• Aneurysms
• Any internal bleeding or injury
• Blockage (blood clot or plaque)

Few days before or on the day of examination you might be given a questionnaire to verify your safety during the examination. Also, prior to the examination, the nurse will insert an IV (intravenous) catheter into your hand or arm. In rare cases, a small amount of blood is drawn via a catheter to check your kidneys functional order. The technologist will position you on the examination CT table, in most cases, with your back flat on the table. To make sure you stay in position, sometimes straps and pillows are also used, as remaining still is very important. The technician begins by giving contrast material at a controlled rate through an automated injection pump that is connected to your IV. For children, aged patients or those who have fragile veins, the contrast is hand injected via syringe. To determine how fast the contrast reaches the body, a small amount can be injected via IV.