How should I prepare for my cardiac imaging?
Proper preparation helps ensure your CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA) provides the clearest and most accurate results. Here's everything you need to know before your scan.
Preparation Guidelines
To get the best image quality, follow these steps leading up to your appointment:
Avoid all caffeine and stimulants (this includes tea, herbal tea, coffee—including decaf—chocolate, and cola) from the night before the test.
No food for 4 hours before your appointment. You can and should drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
No Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis and avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours prior.
No smoking for at least 4 hours before the scan.
Take your usual medications as prescribed—unless otherwise advised.
Please be aware: You won’t be able to drive after the appointment, so plan alternative transport.
How the CTCA Scan Works
Your arrival time may be earlier than your scan time. This allows time to stabilise your heart rate, which is key for accurate imaging.
The scan itself usually takes under 15 minutes.
When you arrive, check in at reception and mention that you're with Everlab.
Your heart rate will be checked. If it’s low enough, you’ll be prepped for your scan right away—no need to wait.
During the scan:
You will lie in a CT scanner.
A nurse will insert a cannula and inject a contrast dye to highlight your heart vessels.
After the scan, your heart rate will be monitored to ensure it returns to normal before you're discharged.
Don’t Forget!
Before your CTCA can be scheduled, you’ll need to:
Complete your Imaging Briefing – a 15-minute video consultation with one of our Everlab Doctors.
Submit your CTCA consent form via your Everlab Dashboard.
Both steps are required before we can proceed with scheduling your scan.
If you have any questions along the way, you can contact the Everlab Care Coordinator team:
Email: support@everlab.com.au
SMS: 0489 078 867