Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) with Delayed Enhancement Quantification
This test measures how effectively your heart pumps blood out of your left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of your heart. It helps assess heart function and detect conditions like heart failure or damage from heart attacks.
["Understanding your heart’s pumping strength can guide treatment and improve quality of life."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79992-4
- Short code
- LV EF A2C MOD
- Synonyms
- LV EF A2C MOD
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-d-a-c-calc-by-single-plane-method-of-disks
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, or if you have a known heart condition. It’s also used to monitor heart health after treatments like a heart attack or surgery.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely lie on a table inside a large, open magnet machine. No needles or injections are needed, but you may feel a mild sensation of warmth or pressure during the scan. Avoid metal objects, such as jewelry or belts, and inform staff if you have metal implants.
What Happens During the Test
The test takes about 30–60 minutes. A technician will guide you through breathing exercises to ensure accurate measurements. You may need to hold still while the machine captures detailed images of your heart.
What the Results Mean
Results are expressed as a percentage (e.g., 50%) and compare how much blood your heart pumps out with each heartbeat. A lower percentage may indicate weaker heart function, while a higher percentage suggests normal or strong pumping ability.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing heart conditions, such as heart failure, cardiomyopathies, or post-infarction recovery. It helps doctors tailor treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes, or interventions, to improve heart health and prevent complications.
Short name
LV Ejection Fraction (CMR)
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal result mean?
Is this test painful?
How often should I get 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