CT Brain Perfusion Without Contrast and CT Head Angiography With Contrast
This paired head CT evaluates brain blood flow and the head's blood vessels, helping assess conditions such as stroke, vessel narrowing, or aneurysm.
["The test combines brain blood-flow imaging with detailed images of the head's blood vessels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88326-4
- Short code
- CT WO con+Brain perf+CTA Head ves W cont
- Synonyms
- CT WO con+Brain perf+CTA Head ves W cont
- 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-perfusion-ct-angio
- CPT
- 86430
- 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 radiology test that uses CT scanning to evaluate the brain. The brain-perfusion portion estimates blood flow in different brain regions, while the head CT angiogram shows the arteries and other blood vessels in the head and neck.
Why might I need this test?
These images may be ordered to evaluate symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack, such as sudden weakness, speech difficulty, or vision changes. They can also help assess suspected blood-vessel narrowing, blockage, aneurysm, or bleeding, particularly when symptoms are sudden or urgent.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT scanner table while X-ray images are taken. The initial head CT and brain-perfusion images may be obtained without injected contrast, while the angiogram uses iodinated contrast given through an intravenous line. The scan is usually quick, although the total visit may take longer.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is usually no fasting or bowel preparation. Tell the imaging staff if you have had an allergic reaction to iodinated contrast, have kidney disease, or are pregnant or may be pregnant, and follow any instructions provided by your care team.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Reduced or uneven blood flow on perfusion imaging may indicate that part of the brain is not receiving adequate circulation, as can occur with an acute stroke. Angiography may show a narrowed or blocked artery, an aneurysm, or another vascular abnormality. Findings should be interpreted by a radiologist in the context of symptoms and the other examination results.
Short name
Brain Perfusion CT and Head CT Angiography
Frequently asked questions
Why are two types of CT imaging performed together?
Does this test involve contrast?
Is this the same as a routine head CT?
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