What exact wording should I use on the prescription pad for a CT angiography (CTA) study?

What to Write on Prescription Pad for CT Angiography

Write "CTA [anatomic region] with IV contrast" on your prescription pad, specifying the exact vascular territory you need evaluated (e.g., "CTA head and neck with IV contrast" or "CTA chest with IV contrast").

Standard Prescription Format

The proper nomenclature follows this structure:

• CTA [anatomic region] with IV contrast

Common Examples by Clinical Indication:

For cerebrovascular disease/stroke workup:

• "CTA head and neck with IV contrast" 1
• This covers both intracranial and extracranial vessels in one study

For thoracic aortic pathology:

• "CTA chest with IV contrast" 2
• Add "CTA chest and abdomen with IV contrast" if evaluating the entire aorta 3

For peripheral arterial disease:

• "CTA pelvis with runoff" or "CTA aortoiliofemoral with runoff" 4, 5
• This evaluates from aorta through lower extremities

For pulmonary embolism:

• "CTA chest with IV contrast" (optimized for pulmonary circulation) 6

Key Points for Writing the Order

Always specify:

• The anatomic region (head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities)
• "with IV contrast" - this is essential for CTA 7
• Clinical indication (helps radiologist optimize protocol)

Do NOT write:

• Just "CT angio" without anatomic region
• "CT with contrast" (this is different from CTA - CTA requires specific timing, thin sections, and 3D reconstructions) 7, 2

Important Distinctions

CTA vs CT with contrast: CTA is a specific protocol that includes 7:

1. Precise timing to capture peak arterial enhancement
2. Thin-section acquisition
3. Multiplanar reformations
4. 3D renderings (this is what distinguishes CTA from standard contrast CT)

Standard "CT with contrast" does NOT automatically include these elements and may miss critical vascular detail.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't abbreviate excessively - write out "CTA" and the full anatomic region
• Don't forget "with IV contrast" - non-contrast CTA doesn't exist for diagnostic vascular imaging
• Don't write "CT angiogram" - use "CTA" (CT angiography)
• Specify bilateral vs unilateral when relevant (e.g., for carotid evaluation)

Clinical Context Matters

Include brief clinical indication such as:

• "r/o carotid stenosis"
• "evaluate for PE"
• "AAA surveillance"
• "peripheral arterial disease"

This helps the radiologist optimize the protocol and ensures appropriate coverage and timing 1, 6.