CT Angiography of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis — With and Without Contrast
CT imaging uses X-rays to examine the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and may include contrast-enhanced angiographic images of blood vessels.
["This scan helps evaluate organs and blood vessels and may be performed with and without contrast."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 83299-8
- Short code
- CTA Ch+Ab+Pel CT WO+W cont+Ao WO+W cont
- Synonyms
- CTA Ch+Ab+Pel CT WO+W cont+Ao WO+W cont
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-ct-angio
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. CT angiography uses injected iodinated contrast to produce detailed images of blood vessels, while images without contrast may also be obtained.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to investigate blood clots, narrowed or blocked vessels, aneurysms, internal bleeding, trauma, or symptoms involving several body regions. It can also provide information about organs, lymph nodes, bones, and other structures.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a table that moves through a CT scanner. X-ray images are taken quickly, and contrast may be injected through a vein in your arm; the exact protocol determines which images are acquired before and after contrast.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided for your specific scan. If contrast will be used, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a period, and you should tell the imaging team about allergies, kidney disease, pregnancy, prior contrast reactions, or any medications that may affect kidney function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, blood clots, aneurysm, bleeding, or abnormalities involving organs or other structures. Images without contrast can also help identify bleeding, stones, calcification, and fluid collections. A radiologist interprets the images in the context of your symptoms and other test results.
Short name
CT Angiography, Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis
Frequently asked questions
Is this test the same as a standard CT scan?
What is iodinated contrast?
Is there radiation exposure?
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