CT Scan of the Adrenal Glands with Intravenous Contrast
A CT scan uses X-rays and intravenous contrast to produce detailed images of the adrenal glands, which sit above each kidney.
["This scan creates detailed images of the adrenal glands and can help identify enlargement, masses, bleeding, or other abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36943-9
- Short code
- CT Adrenal W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Adrenal W contr IV
- 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
- 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 computed tomography, or CT, scan of the adrenal glands. Intravenous contrast is injected into a vein to improve the visibility of the glands and nearby blood vessels and organs.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this scan to evaluate adrenal enlargement, a suspected adrenal mass, or symptoms suggesting excess or deficiency of adrenal hormones. It may also be used to assess the adrenal glands in people with certain medical or genetic conditions.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a padded table while a CT scanner moves around you and takes X-ray images. Contrast is usually given through a vein in your arm, and the scan itself generally takes only a few minutes.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any instructions from your imaging center, especially about avoiding food, drinks, or medicines beforehand. Tell the care team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, have kidney disease, or have had a serious reaction to contrast.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may include an adrenal nodule or mass, gland enlargement, bleeding, infection, or another process affecting the adrenal glands. The findings must be interpreted with symptoms, hormone test results, prior imaging, and other medical information because benign-appearing nodules and incidental findings are common. A normal CT scan does not by itself exclude every adrenal hormone disorder.
Short name
Adrenal CT with IV contrast
Frequently asked questions
Is an adrenal CT scan the same as an abdominal CT?
Is the intravenous contrast material safe?
Does this test diagnose a specific adrenal hormone disorder?
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