Preparation:

1. Patient History: Your doctor will review your medical history, including any allergies and current medications.
2. Contrast Medium: A contrast dye may be used to enhance the visibility of blood vessels during the scan. Inform your healthcare provider if you have had reactions to contrast media in the past.

Procedure:

1. Clothing and Accessories: You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry and belts.
2. Injection of Contrast Medium: Before the scan, a radiologic technologist or nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein, usually in your arm. The contrast dye is then injected through the IV to highlight blood vessels during the imaging.

Imaging Process:

1. Positioning: You will lie on the CT scanner table, and the table will move into the scanner.
2. Scanning: The CT scanner will take X-ray images from various angles as it rotates around your legs. The process is quick, and you might be asked to hold your breath briefly during certain scans.
3. Instructions: The technologist may provide instructions during the scan, such as holding still or breathing at specific times.

Post-Scan:

1. Observation: After the procedure, you may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the contrast dye.
2. Resumption of Activities: In most cases, you can resume normal activities after the scan.

Results:

1. Interpretation: The images will be interpreted by a radiologist who will generate a report for your referring physician.
2. Follow-up: Your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend appropriate further action based on the findings.

It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and specific instructions may be provided based on your health condition and the facility’s protocols. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare team.