CT Angiography of Abdominal and Renal Vessels — With or Without Contrast
A CT scan that uses images to assess blood vessels in the abdomen and kidneys; the scan may be ordered with or without injected contrast.
["This test uses CT images to look for narrowing, blockage, or other problems in abdominal and kidney blood vessels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69085-9
- Short code
- Deprecated Abd>Renal vls CT.Angio WO+W c
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Abd>Renal vls CT.Angio WO+W c
- 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-angio
- 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 to examine blood vessels. Depending on the order, the study may be performed without contrast or with an injected iodine-based contrast material to make the vessels easier to see.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to investigate reduced blood flow, suspected blockage, aneurysm, dissection, or bleeding involving the abdominal or renal vessels. It may also help evaluate kidney blood flow when renovascular hypertension is suspected.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a CT table while the scanner takes a series of pictures. If contrast is used, it is usually given through a vein in your arm, and the scan is completed quickly while you remain still.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions about fasting and medications. Tell the care team if you have kidney disease, have had an allergic reaction to iodine contrast, or are pregnant or may be pregnant, because these factors may affect the contrast plan.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing or blockage of an artery, an aneurysm, vessel wall injury, or another circulation problem. Narrowing of a renal artery may affect kidney blood flow and contribute to high blood pressure. The radiologist's interpretation should be considered together with your symptoms, examination, and other tests.
Short name
Abdominal and Renal Vessel CT Angiography
Frequently asked questions
Does this test always use contrast?
Is CT angiography the same as a standard abdominal CT?
Will I need to stay in the hospital afterward?
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