Angiography, Aorta, Abdominal, Amplified Imaging (Contrast-enhanced X-ray)
This procedure uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to visualize blood vessels in your abdomen, specifically the aorta, to identify blockages, abnormalities, or other vascular issues.
["Angiography helps doctors diagnose and plan treatment for conditions affecting your abdominal aorta and blood flow."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30863-5
- Short code
- Deprecated Aorta+Abd aa MRI.Angio
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Aorta+Abd aa MRI.Angio
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mri-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 Procedure For?
Angiography of the abdominal aorta is typically performed to investigate suspected vascular problems such as aneurysms, blockages, or other abnormalities in the aorta. It may also be used to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, leg pain, or signs of poor circulation. Doctors may recommend this test if you have a history of vascular disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors.
How Is This Procedure Done?
You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, usually in your groin or arm. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is threaded through your blood vessels to the aorta. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter to make blood vessels visible on X-ray images. You may feel a brief pressure or warmth as the dye flows through your system.
What to Expect Before, During, and After?
Before the procedure, inform your healthcare team about any allergies, medications (especially blood thinners), or recent illnesses. During the procedure, you’ll lie still while the images are taken. Afterward, you may feel some discomfort or bruising at the insertion site. You’ll need someone to drive you home and should avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Risks and Complications
While generally safe, angiography carries some risks, including allergic reactions to contrast dye, bleeding at the insertion site, or temporary nerve damage. Rarely, complications like blood clots or vessel injury may occur. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing conditions like aortic aneurysms (bulging areas in the aorta), dissections (tears in the vessel wall), or stenosis (narrowing of blood vessels). It helps guide treatment options, such as medication, stent placement, or surgery, to improve blood flow and prevent complications like ruptures or clots.
Frequently asked questions
Why was I asked to have this test?
How long will it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy