CT Angiography (CTA), Head and Neck — Head With Contrast; Neck With or Without Contrast
CTA uses CT scanning and injected contrast to examine blood vessels in the head and neck. This order includes a contrast-enhanced head CTA and a neck CTA with or without contrast.
["This imaging test helps evaluate the arteries of the head and neck for narrowing, blockage, or other vascular abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104065-8
- Short code
- CTA Head W cont+CTA Neck WO+W cont
- Synonyms
- CTA Head W cont+CTA Neck WO+W cont
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-angio-ct-angio
- CPT
- 82553
- 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?
CT angiography, or CTA, is an imaging test that uses CT scans to show blood vessels. The head portion is performed with iodinated contrast, while the neck portion may be performed with or without contrast according to the order and imaging protocol.
Why might I need this test?
A head and neck CTA may be ordered to evaluate symptoms such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, severe headache, dizziness, or a pulsatile neck mass. It may also be used to assess trauma, suspected bleeding, or the condition of blood vessels before another procedure.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT table while the scanner takes several images. For the contrast-enhanced portion, an intravenous line is used to inject iodinated contrast, and the scan is timed to highlight the arteries in the head and neck.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions about eating, drinking, and medications. Tell the care team about any prior contrast reaction, kidney disease, pregnancy possibility, or allergy to iodinated contrast before the examination.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CTA findings may identify a narrowed or blocked artery, an aneurysm, arterial dissection, abnormal vessel formation, or bleeding. The results are interpreted together with symptoms, examination findings, and other tests. The referring clinician will explain the significance of any abnormal finding and recommend follow-up if needed.
Short name
Head and neck CT angiography
Frequently asked questions
Is CT angiography the same as a routine CT scan?
Why might the neck be scanned with or without contrast?
What happens if I am allergic to iodinated contrast?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy