CT Angiography, Lower-Extremity Vessels — With Intravenous Contrast
A CT angiogram uses IV contrast and CT images to show blood vessels in the legs, helping evaluate circulation and locate narrowing, clots, or aneurysms.
["This imaging test evaluates blood flow through vessels in the lower legs and may identify narrowing, blockage, or aneurysm."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86963-6
- Short code
- CTA LE ves-R W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CTA LE ves-R W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-angio
- CPT
- 85651
- 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?
Lower-extremity CT angiography is an imaging test that uses CT scans and intravenous contrast to create detailed pictures of blood vessels in the legs. Depending on the specific order, it may examine arteries, veins, or both.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to evaluate leg pain, swelling, reduced pulses, poor wound healing, suspected blood clots, or other signs of impaired circulation. It can also help assess the vessels before certain procedures.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT table while the scanner takes images. An intravenous line is used to administer contrast, which makes the vessels easier to see on the images.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions, and tell the imaging team about contrast allergies, kidney disease, pregnancy, or any prior reaction to contrast. Fasting may or may not be required, so ask whether you should avoid food or drinks beforehand.
Reference range
Adult males: 0-15 mm/hr; Females: 0-20 mm/hrN/A
No special preparation required. CRP may be affected by acute illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel, a blood clot, an aneurysm, or collateral vessels forming around an obstruction. Interpretation depends on whether an arterial or venous protocol was performed and should be considered with symptoms and other diagnostic tests.
Short name
Lower-extremity CT angiography
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine CT scan?
Will I feel the contrast injection?
How soon will I receive the results?
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