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Diastolic Atrial Blood Flow, Doppler Waveform

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A Doppler echocardiography measurement of blood flow related to atrial filling during the heart's relaxed phase.

Quick summary

["This measurement helps assess how blood moves into the atrium when the heart relaxes."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
11642-6
Short code
Deprecated Blood flow.diastolic.atrial w
Synonyms
Deprecated Blood flow.diastolic.atrial w
Category
liver
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us-doppler
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Diastolic atrial blood flow is a measurement of blood-flow patterns associated with atrial filling while the heart muscle is relaxed. It is generally obtained with Doppler echocardiography and reported as a waveform or flow measurement.

Why might I need this test?

This measurement may be used to evaluate heart function, particularly when evaluating abnormal heart rhythms, symptoms of heart failure, or suspected problems with heart valves.

How is the test performed?

A technician or clinician places an ultrasound probe on the chest and uses Doppler ultrasound to record blood flow in the heart. The measurement is taken from the resulting waveform.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to lie on your side or back and breathe normally, so follow the instructions provided by the imaging center.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Changes in diastolic atrial blood flow may reflect differences in heart relaxation, chamber filling pressures, or blood-flow patterns. Interpretation depends on the rest of the echocardiogram, symptoms, medical history, and other cardiac measurements, so this result should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.

Short name

Diastolic atrial blood flow

Frequently asked questions

Is this a blood test?
No. This is an ultrasound-based heart measurement obtained during Doppler echocardiography, not a test that analyzes a blood sample.
Does the test cause pain?
No. The ultrasound probe is placed on the outside of the chest and does not cause pain, although you may feel mild pressure from the probe.
Why can one result not be interpreted by itself?
Blood flow is affected by several parts of the heart and is interpreted alongside valve function, heart rhythm, chamber size, and other echocardiography findings.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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