CT Angiography with Intravenous Contrast
A CT angiogram uses CT imaging and intravenous contrast to show blood vessels and identify problems such as narrowing, blockage, or leakage.
["CTA creates detailed images of blood vessels to help evaluate suspected vascular problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86960-2
- Short code
- CTA UE ves-R W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CTA UE 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?
CT angiography, or CTA, is an imaging test that uses computed tomography and injected contrast to produce detailed pictures of blood vessels. The compressed test code does not clearly identify the body area, so this description applies generally to CTA.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order CTA to evaluate symptoms that could be caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, an aneurysm, or bleeding. It may also be used to examine blood vessels before a procedure or to assess the location and extent of a vascular condition.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT table while the scanner takes images. Intravenous contrast is usually given through a vein in your arm to make blood vessels easier to see, and the scan generally takes only a short time.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any fasting or medication instructions provided by the imaging facility. Tell the care team if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, or have previously had a serious reaction to contrast; remove metal objects and follow staff instructions before entering the scanner room.
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.
An abnormal CTA may show narrowing, obstruction, an aneurysm, vessel wall abnormalities, or leakage of contrast. These findings should be interpreted by a radiologist together with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Treatment decisions depend on the location, severity, and cause of the abnormality.
Short name
CT angiogram (CTA)
Frequently asked questions
Is a CT angiogram the same as a routine CT scan?
Why is contrast used during CTA?
Are there risks from a CT angiogram?
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