CT Head Without Contrast and CT Neck With Intravenous Contrast
CT imaging evaluates the head without contrast and the neck with intravenous contrast to examine bones, soft tissues, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other structures.
["This combined CT study uses different contrast approaches for the head and neck to help identify injury, infection, inflammation, tumors, and other abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82804-6
- Short code
- CT Head WO+W and CT Neck W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Head WO+W and CT Neck W contr IV
- 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
- 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?
This is a computed tomography (CT) examination that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the head and neck. The head is scanned without contrast, while the neck is scanned after intravenous contrast is given.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this study to evaluate head or neck injury, unexplained swelling, infection, inflammation, or a suspected mass. It may also help assess lymph nodes, major blood vessels, and the relationship of abnormalities to nearby structures.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT scanner table while the machine takes images from different angles. For the neck portion, contrast is usually injected through a vein in your arm, and the scan is completed shortly afterward.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging facility. Tell the care team if you have kidney disease, a previous contrast reaction, thyroid disease, or are pregnant or may be pregnant, because these factors may affect the use of contrast or the testing plan.
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.
Abnormal findings may indicate conditions such as bleeding, fracture, infection, inflammation, obstruction, or a tumor. The results are interpreted together with symptoms, physical examination, and other tests, and a radiologist may recommend additional imaging or clinical follow-up.
Short name
CT head and neck
Frequently asked questions
Why is contrast used for the neck but not the head?
Is the intravenous contrast used in this test different from oral contrast?
Will I need additional imaging after this test?
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