Computed Tomography Angiogram (CT Angiogram)

Before you have a CT angiogram, tell your doctor if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are breast-feeding. You will need to use formula (not your breast milk) for 1 to 2 days after the CT angiogram until the dye has passed from your body. Or you can pump your breast milk and store it before the test and use that for a couple of days.
• Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes.
• Have a heart condition, such as Reference heart failure Opens New Window.
• Have Reference diabetes Opens New Window or take metformin (such as Glucophage) to control your diabetes.
• Have a history of kidney problems.
• Have Reference asthma Opens New Window.
• Have a history of Reference thyroid Opens New Window problems.
• Have had Reference multiple myeloma Opens New Window.
• Have had an Reference X-ray Opens New Window test using barium contrast material (such as a Reference barium enema Opens New Window) or have taken a medicine that contains bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the past 4 days. Barium and bismuth show up on X-ray films and make it hard to see the picture clearly.
• Become very nervous in small spaces. You will have to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a medicine (sedative) to help you relax. If you are given a sedative, you may need to have someone take you home after the test.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. Your doctor will let you know if there are certain foods or liquids you should avoid.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.