Left Ventricular Cardiac Index via Spiral CT (Volume Flow)
This test measures how efficiently your heart pumps blood through your left ventricle using computed tomography (CT) imaging. It helps assess cardiac function and blood flow patterns in the heart.
["This test evaluates heart pumping efficiency and blood flow, often used in cardiac imaging studies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8748-6
- Short code
- LV Cardiac index Spiral CT
- Synonyms
- LV Cardiac index Spiral CT
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-spiral
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for heart disease, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions. Doctors may also use it to monitor treatment progress for known heart issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely receive contrast dye to highlight blood vessels. Prepare by fasting for a few hours beforehand, following any specific instructions your doctor provides. Avoid smoking or caffeine before the scan to ensure accurate results.
During the Test
The test involves lying still on a CT scanner table while the machine takes detailed images of your heart. The scan may take 15–30 minutes, and you’ll hear gentle tapping sounds as the scanner moves. Breathing slowly and staying very still is crucial for clear images.
After the Test
You can resume normal activities immediately, but avoid driving or operating machinery until you’ve had time to recover from any sedation. Drink plenty of water to help flush out any contrast dye. Check with your doctor if you experience dizziness, allergic reactions, or unusual symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a quantitative measure of cardiac output through the left ventricle, helping identify issues like reduced pumping efficiency, abnormal blood flow, or structural heart problems. Lower-than-expected values may signal heart failure or other cardiac dysfunction, while higher values could indicate conditions like aortic stenosis or other obstructions.
Short name
LV Cardiac Index (CT Flow)
Frequently asked questions
What Does This Test Measure?
Will I Need to Prepare for This Test?
How Long Does the Test 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