MULTI-SLICE CT SCAN

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This examination lasts about 10 minutes and is completely painless.  You must be on an empty stomach. Before the test, you will be connected to an IV tube so that contrast agent may be injected during the procedure. You will then lie down on the « open » tube and the technician will give you all the necessary instructions. Before the start of image acquisition, we may have to give you an injection in order to slow down your heart and improve the quality of the images obtained.

Image acquisition per se lasts between 6 and 10 seconds, during which you must lie completely still (motionless) and hold your breath.  Your participation is crucial. If you don’t hold your breath, the test will not be correctly interpreted. The injection of the constrast agent usually causes a sensation of heat all over the body. When the contrast agent reaches the coronary arteries, image acquisition will be triggered and you will be asked to hold your breath. Ten seconds later, the test will be completed.
The doctor will then need some time to analyze the images and make an accurate diagnosis regarding the status of your coronary arteries.