CT Coronary Artery Calcium Score Without Contrast, with CT Angiography Using IV Contrast
A heart CT that measures calcium in the coronary arteries and, with IV contrast, creates detailed images of the arteries to assess plaque and narrowing.
["This scan can detect coronary artery plaque and show whether blood flow through the heart's arteries may be narrowed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89927-8
- Short code
- CT Hrt+AR WO Ca score + CTA W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Hrt+AR WO Ca score + CTA W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-ct-angio
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a computed tomography (CT) examination of the arteries that supply the heart. The calcium-score portion measures calcified plaque without contrast, while CT angiography uses intravenous contrast to produce detailed images of the coronary arteries.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to evaluate chest pain or other possible heart-related symptoms, assess the amount of calcified coronary plaque, or look for narrowing or blockage in the heart's arteries. It may also help clarify cardiovascular risk when other findings are unclear.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT table while the scanner takes pictures from several angles. For the angiography portion, an IV line is used to administer contrast, and the scan is timed to capture contrast moving through the coronary arteries.
How do I prepare for the test?
The calcium-score portion requires no contrast. Before CT angiography, tell the imaging staff if you have kidney disease, have had a serious reaction to contrast, are pregnant or may be pregnant, or have other relevant medical conditions. Follow the facility's instructions about fasting, medications, and arrival time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A calcium score of zero generally means no calcified plaque was detected in the coronary arteries. A higher calcium score indicates more calcified plaque and is generally associated with greater cardiovascular risk. CT angiography may identify narrowed or blocked arteries, but results should be interpreted with your symptoms, medical history, and other cardiovascular tests.
Short name
Coronary CT calcium score and angiography
Frequently asked questions
Does this test use radiation?
Is IV contrast different from the calcium-score scan?
What if I have kidney disease or a previous contrast reaction?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy