CT Heart for Coronary Artery Calcium Score with IV Contrast
A cardiac CT scan used to estimate the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries that supply the heart.
["This CT scan estimates coronary artery calcification, which can help assess the amount of atherosclerosis in the heart's arteries."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36935-5
- Short code
- CT Hrt for Calcium Score W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Hrt for Calcium Score W contr IV
- 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?
This is a cardiac CT examination that provides a coronary artery calcium score. The score estimates the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries that supply the heart and may help assess cardiovascular risk.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to evaluate suspected coronary artery disease, especially when symptoms or risk factors raise concern about blocked heart arteries. It may also be used for preventive heart-risk assessment when appropriate.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT table while a scanner takes multiple images of your chest and heart. This order indicates that IV contrast may be given through a vein, and a radiologist uses the images to identify and quantify coronary artery calcium.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions, including restrictions on eating, drinking, caffeine, and smoking if provided. Tell the care team about kidney disease, prior contrast reactions, iodine allergy, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and medications such as metformin.
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 a greater burden of calcified coronary plaque and may support the presence of coronary artery disease. A score of zero generally suggests no detectable calcified plaque, but interpretation depends on the scan technique, patient history, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The result should be reviewed with a clinician and considered alongside symptoms, cholesterol, blood pressure, and other findings.
Short name
Cardiac CT calcium score
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine chest CT?
Why is IV contrast mentioned on the order?
Will I need to stay in the hospital afterward?
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