What is CTCS?
CT Calcium Scoring (CTCS) is a noninvasive test to obtain the Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS). The CTCS estimates the amount of coronary artery plaque by assessing the extent of coronary artery calcification using high-resolution CT. A high calcium score correlates with a moderate to high risk of a coronary event or heart attack within two to five years.
The Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) is less valuable for patients at low or very high risk or for those with known coronary artery disease.
Possible reasons for requesting CTCS include:
- Screening asymptomatic patients
- Screening patients with intermediate risk of coronary artery disease
- The presence of one risk factor such as hypertension
- Strong family history of early coronary artery disease
At Envision Medical Imaging, we include CTCS at no additional charge when we perform CT Coronary Angiograms (CTCAs) to determine whether the coronary arteries are heavily calcified.
Medicare does not provide patients with a rebate for CTCS. Patients having a CTCS during a CTCA will not be charged extra.
A low and steady heart rate is essential for a CT Calcium score, so please avoid the following before your scan:
- Products containing caffeine, including tea, coffee, decaf tea and coffee products, soft drinks, and chocolate, for 24 hours
- Viagra, Cialis, or any medication used for erectile dysfunction for 72 hours
- Exercise on the day of your scan
Please wear loose clothing to your appointment, preferably with no metal. In some instances, you may be provided with a gown to wear, as some materials and embellishments may show up on an x-ray.
You may be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving any valuables at home.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.
The radiographer performing your CTCS scan will provide you with a full explanation of the procedure on the day. You will be asked to lie down on the CT table and electrodes, like those used for ECG tracing, will be positioned on your chest so that the CT will be able to acquire still images between heartbeats. The examination will take approximately 5 minutes once you are positioned on the CT table.
CT scans use x-rays which carry a very small radiation risk. The radiation exposure is kept to a minimum, and health experts feel the benefits of the diagnostic information obtained usually outweigh any potential risks.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please inform the customer service team member booking your appointment, as alternative medical imaging may need to be arranged.
A CTCS scan does not require any specific after care. After your scan, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner.
The cost of your CTCS scan can depend on several factors. Please contact us and our friendly customer service team will be able to advise you any costs involved, including any out-of-pocket costs.
We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child.
Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.
Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.
