CT angiography, often shortened to CTA, combines a CT scan with an injection of iodinated contrast to create detailed pictures of blood vessels. It may be prescribed for the blood vessels of the heart, brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis or limbs. Preparation is not identical for every CTA, so the instructions on your confirmed appointment take priority over general internet advice.
At Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre in Meerut, the prescription, relevant history and previous reports are reviewed before a specialised CT angiography appointment is confirmed. Sending these records early helps the team decide what preparation and kidney-function information may be needed.
First, confirm which CT angiography has been prescribed
“CT angiography” describes a group of examinations rather than one single scan. The body region and clinical question determine the scan timing, amount of contrast and preparation. For example, coronary CT angiography examines the arteries supplying the heart and may need heart-rate preparation. CT pulmonary angiography examines the lung arteries, while cerebral, aortic and peripheral CTA examine different vessels.
Send a clear photograph of the prescription before travelling. If the wording is unclear, the radiologist may need to discuss the intended study with your referring doctor. You can also read the centre’s CT angiography service information and CT scan page.
Your CT angiography preparation checklist
- Prescription: bring the original or a clear copy showing the CTA requested and clinical reason.
- Previous records: carry relevant CT, MRI, ultrasound, angiography, ECG, echocardiography or laboratory reports and images.
- Kidney-function report: bring a recent creatinine or eGFR result if available. The team will tell you if a new test is needed.
- Medicine list: include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements with their doses.
- Allergy history: report any previous reaction to iodinated CT contrast and describe what happened.
- Health information: mention kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, breastfeeding and recent illness.
- Clothing: wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to remove jewellery or metal items from the scan area.
Do you need to fast?
You may be asked not to eat or drink for a period before a contrast CT angiography. The exact instruction depends on the examination and local protocol. Do not extend fasting unnecessarily, and do not assume that another patient’s instructions apply to you.
When the appointment is confirmed, ask four simple questions: when to stop solid food, whether plain water is allowed, which regular medicines to take, and when you should arrive. If you have diabetes, fasting instructions should include a plan for your diabetes medicines and meals.
Why kidney function and contrast history matter
CTA usually requires iodinated contrast through a small cannula in a vein. Most patients complete the examination without a serious reaction, but the radiologist must consider kidney function and any previous contrast reaction. A creatinine blood test is used to estimate kidney function; the team may request a recent result based on your age, medical history and the planned scan.
A previous contrast reaction does not mean you should make your own preparation plan. Tell the team well before the appointment. The radiologist may recommend a different examination, additional precautions or prescribed premedication. Do not take steroids or anti-allergy medicines for this purpose unless a doctor has given you a specific schedule.
What about metformin, blood thinners and other medicines?
Continue or change medicines only on individual clinical advice. In particular, tell the team if you take metformin, medicines for diabetes, blood pressure or heart rate, blood thinners, or medicines for erectile dysfunction. Kidney function and the type of CTA can affect the instructions.
For coronary CT angiography, the team may give special advice about caffeine and may assess whether medication is appropriate to slow the heart rate or widen the coronary arteries. Do not take an extra beta-blocker, nitrate or another heart medicine unless it has been prescribed for you. If you use sildenafil or a similar medicine, tell the team because it can interact with nitrates.
What happens on the day?
- Registration and review: the team checks your identity, prescription, history, medicines, kidney-function information and consent.
- Preparation: jewellery or metal may be removed, and a small cannula is placed in an arm vein for contrast.
- Positioning: you lie on the CT table. For coronary CTA, ECG stickers may be placed on the chest to time the scan with the heartbeat.
- Contrast and scanning: contrast is injected while the scanner acquires images. A brief warm feeling or metallic taste can occur.
- Observation: the team checks the injection site and may ask you to wait for a short period before leaving.
Follow breathing instructions carefully and keep still during image acquisition. Tell the staff immediately if you develop breathing difficulty, facial swelling, widespread itching, severe dizziness or significant pain or swelling around the injection site.
After CT angiography
Follow the centre’s individual advice about fluids, meals and medicines. The radiologist analyses the images and sends the report through the centre’s reporting process. Your treating doctor should interpret the result together with your symptoms, examination and other tests.
For the current CTA charge and appointment availability, send the prescription on WhatsApp or call before travelling. Tesla Imaging is at 44, New Shivpuri, opposite Eves Hospital, Hapur Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shalabh Bansal, DMRD, FRCR (UK).
Tesla Imaging & Diagnostic Centre, 44, New Shivpuri, opposite Eves Hospital, Hapur Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask before CT angiography
Do I need to fast before CT angiography?+
Fasting instructions depend on the angiography type and your health. Do not guess: follow the instructions given when your appointment is confirmed, because the required fasting period can differ between patients and examinations.
Is a creatinine or eGFR test needed before CT angiography?+
A recent kidney-function test may be requested before iodinated contrast, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes, are older, or have other relevant health conditions. Send any recent creatinine or eGFR report with your prescription so the radiology team can advise you.
Should I stop metformin or other medicines before CT angiography?+
Do not stop metformin, blood-pressure tablets, blood thinners or any prescribed medicine on your own. Share the exact medicine names and doses when booking; the radiologist or your treating doctor will give instructions suited to your scan and kidney function.
What should I tell the team before contrast injection?+
Tell the team about any previous reaction to CT contrast, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma, current medicines, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and recent illness. This information helps the radiologist plan the examination safely.
How long does a CT angiography appointment take?+
The image acquisition is usually quick, but registration, clinical checks, cannula placement, contrast injection and observation add time. Coronary CT angiography may take longer because heart-rate assessment or preparation can be required.
Can I drive after CT angiography?+
Many patients can leave normally after a routine CTA, but individual advice may differ if medicines were used or if you feel unwell. Follow the instructions given by the team and arrange an accompanying adult if you have been specifically asked to do so.
Explore CT angiography in Meerut, coronary CTA information, general scan preparation or directions to Tesla Imaging.
Medical disclaimer: This guide gives general patient education and appointment information. It does not decide whether CT angiography is suitable for you and does not replace instructions from your treating doctor or radiologist.
Clinical information reviewed against current patient guidance from RadiologyInfo (ACR/RSNA) on CT angiography, coronary CTA and iodinated contrast.