CT Scan of the Heart With Intravenous Contrast
A CT scan of the heart performed after injecting an iodine-based contrast agent, which helps produce detailed images of the heart and nearby blood vessels.
["This scan uses X-rays and injected contrast to create detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79089-9
- Short code
- CT Hrt W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Hrt 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
- 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 heart CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the heart. Intravenous contrast is injected through a vein to help highlight the heart and nearby blood vessels.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to evaluate heart structure, coronary artery narrowing, plaque, or blood-vessel abnormalities. It may also be used to help investigate symptoms such as chest pain or when planning certain procedures.
How is the test performed?
You will usually lie on a CT table while a technologist positions you and takes several X-ray images. During the scan, contrast is injected into a vein, and your heart and breathing may be monitored. The scan itself is generally painless, although the injection may cause a brief warm or flushing sensation.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging center; fasting may or may not be required. Tell the care team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease or a previous reaction to contrast, or take medicines such as metformin. Do not stop any medication unless your clinician directs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate coronary artery narrowing, plaque, heart enlargement, or other structural or blood-vessel problems. Some clinically important disease can appear normal on CT, so results must be interpreted together with symptoms, examination findings, and other tests. A radiologist will provide a written report, which your clinician will review with you.
Short name
Heart CT with IV contrast
Frequently asked questions
Does this test use radiation?
What if I have previously reacted to iodine contrast?
Is this the same as a coronary calcium scan?
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