CT Pelvis With Intravenous Contrast
A CT scan of the pelvis performed with intravenous contrast to provide clearer images of the pelvic bones, organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
["This scan uses injected contrast and X-rays to create detailed images of the pelvis and may help evaluate injury, infection, bleeding, or abnormal growths."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24866-6
- Short code
- CT Pelvis W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Pelvis 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?
A CT pelvis with intravenous contrast is an X-ray-based imaging study of the pelvic bones and nearby organs and tissues. Intravenous contrast is injected into a vein to improve the visibility of certain structures, including blood vessels and areas of inflammation.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this scan to investigate pelvic pain or swelling, evaluate an injury, look for infection or bleeding, or examine an abnormal growth. It may also be used for planning treatment or surgery and, in some cases, to monitor an existing condition.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner while X-ray images are taken. The scan is painless. You may briefly feel a warm sensation when the contrast enters your vein, and the scanner may make loud clicking or ringing noises.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging facility. Tell the care team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, have kidney disease, or have had a reaction to contrast dye. Metal objects, including jewelry and removable items with metal, may need to be removed before the scan.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may include fractures, bleeding, infection, inflammation, obstruction, or an abnormal growth in the pelvis. The meaning of the results depends on your symptoms, medical history, and other examinations, so the radiologist's report should be reviewed with your clinician.
Short name
CT pelvis with IV contrast
Frequently asked questions
Is a CT pelvis with IV contrast safe?
Will I need to stay at the facility afterward?
How long does the scan take?
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