Coronary Artery Calcium Score, Noncontrast Cardiac CT
A noncontrast CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries to help assess cardiovascular risk.
["The result estimates the amount of calcified plaque in the heart’s arteries, which helps guide cardiovascular risk assessment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79087-3
- Short code
- CT Hrt+CA for Calcium Score WO contr
- Synonyms
- CT Hrt+CA for Calcium Score WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8.5
- Ref high
- 10.5
- Critical range
- 6 N/A – 14 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 110744001
- 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?
A coronary artery calcium score is obtained with a low-dose CT scan of the heart. It measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used when a person has risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of early heart disease. It can help estimate the likelihood of cardiovascular events and guide decisions about prevention or further evaluation.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT scanner table while the machine takes several images of the chest. The scan is performed without injected contrast. A radiologist or other specialist reviews the images and calculates the calcium score.
How do I prepare for the test?
No contrast dye is used, so you usually do not need to stop taking medications or fast. You may be asked to avoid heavy exercise immediately before the scan because it can temporarily affect the calcium score. Tell the imaging team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Reference range
Adult: 8.5-10.5 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher calcium score generally indicates more calcified coronary plaque and is associated with greater cardiovascular risk. A score of zero means no calcified plaque was detected, but it does not rule out all heart disease or every noncalcified plaque. Age, genetics, and other health conditions can also influence the score.
Short name
Coronary calcium score
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require contrast dye?
Is a coronary calcium score the same as a routine chest CT?
What does a zero calcium score mean?
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