Cardiovascular Transplant Cardiac Function Evaluation (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures markers in your blood to help assess how well your heart is functioning, especially important after a transplant to monitor recovery and detect complications.
["Helps track heart health post-transplant and identify early signs of issues like rejection or organ strain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 83541-3
- Short code
- CARDEVAL
- Synonyms
- Cardiology Trnsplt cand eval nte
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) for serum-based tests; additional containers may include EDTA plasma tubes, sodium heparin tubes, and sodium fluoride tubes depending on specific analytes ordered within the evaluation panel
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- cardiovascular-disease
- CPT
- 99499
- SNOMED
- 424483007
- Specimen volume
- Variable; typically 5-10 mL of serum per collection tube. Total volume requirements depend on the comprehensive panel of tests ordered for transplant evaluation.
- Stability
- Stability varies by individual analyte. Serum is generally stable for 4-6 hours at room temperature, 24-48 hours at 2-8°C, and longer periods at -20°C or -80°C for specific analytes. Cardiac biomarkers (troponin, BNP) should be processed within recommended timeframes per manufacturer specifications.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters for Your Heart Health
After a heart transplant, your body’s immune system may still react to the new organ, or other heart-related problems could develop. This test helps doctors monitor these risks by checking levels of specific substances that reflect heart function and stress.
What the Test Measures
Your blood sample will be analyzed for several key substances, including markers that indicate how well your heart is pumping blood, whether it’s being damaged, or if there’s inflammation or immune response affecting it. These tests may include measurements of enzymes, proteins, or other biomarkers tied to heart health.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. This is done in a doctor’s office or lab. Your blood will be sent to a specialized facility to be processed and tested for the relevant markers. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if instructed by your healthcare provider.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually required, but you may be advised to avoid certain medications or foods for a short time. If you’re on blood thinners or other medications, let your doctor know before the test. You can typically return to normal activities immediately after the blood draw.
Reference range
Not applicable; this LOINC code represents a clinical evaluation note document for transplant candidacy rather than a quantitative analyte. Reference ranges vary by individual laboratory tests included in the comprehensive cardiac transplant evaluation panel.N/A
No specific fasting required for the overall evaluation note. Individual tests within the panel may have specific preparation requirements. Patient should bring complete medical history, list of current medications, prior cardiac catheterization reports, echocardiogram results, and any previous laboratory results. Patient should be well-hydrated for venipuncture procedures.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High or abnormal levels of these markers may signal problems such as heart rejection, inflammation, or other complications after a transplant. Low levels could indicate insufficient heart function or poor recovery. Regular monitoring helps doctors adjust treatments to keep your heart healthy and functioning properly.
Short name
Cardiac Function Check
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What if my results are abnormal?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy