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Calcium Score

Last Updated: 2026-02-02
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  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Calcium Score Non-contrast Carina to Below heart
    • Cardiovascular risk assessment
    • Chest pain low-intermediate risk
    • Asymptomatic screening
    • Elevated HLD
    • Significant cardiovascular risk factors

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine feet-first
    • NPO Status: No caffeine day of exam
    • Pre-Medication:
      • HR control not needed for calcium score

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Prospective ECG gating.
    • Suspended Respiration breathing instructions.
    • For single source CT: Target End Diastole if HR < 63BPM, else target End diastole and end systole. For dual source CT: Target End diastole if HR <79, else target end systole. Ensure ECG leads well connected, Goal: <= 60 BPM, regular (+/- 5).
    • Additional Recons: Agatston score calculation. Percentile reporting
    • No IV needed.

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Check breathing motion on lung FOV. Calculate Agatston score. Report percentile for age/sex. Document coronary calcification distribution
    • Good ECG tracing essential. Patient breath hold coaching
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Top of chest Diaphragm N/A N/A AP and lateral
Calcium Score Carina Below heart N/A 1.5 mm Sequential axial gated acquisition
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Calcium score Heart 3 mm/3 mm Standard 3 For Agatston score calculation
Axial Calcium score Chest 1.5 mm/1.5 mm Lung 3 Lung FOV for Extracardiac findings