Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) with Late Gadolinium Enhancement Quantification
This test measures how effectively your heart pumps blood out of your left ventricle, using specialized imaging. It also assesses areas of delayed enhancement that may indicate scar tissue or fibrosis.
["Helps evaluate heart function and detect damage from conditions like heart attacks or cardiomyopathy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 93644-3
- Short code
- LV EF A2C SP A-L
- Synonyms
- LV EF A2C SP A-L
- 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-area-length-method
- 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 This Test Measures
The test uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function. It specifically evaluates the percentage of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction) and identifies regions of delayed enhancement, which may suggest scar tissue or inflammation.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue, or if you have a known heart condition that could affect pumping efficiency. It’s also used to monitor heart health in patients with known heart disease or after a heart attack.
How It’s Performed
You’ll lie on a table inside a large, open MRI machine. A contrast agent (gadolinium) may be injected to highlight specific areas of the heart. The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is generally painless, though you may feel a mild sensation of warmth during contrast injection.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed, but you should remove any metal objects (like jewelry or clips) that could interfere with the scan. Wear comfortable clothing and bring identification with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A lower-than-normal ejection fraction suggests heart failure or reduced pumping ability, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Delayed enhancement may indicate myocardial scarring from conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), cardiomyopathy, or inflammatory heart disease. This test guides treatment decisions, such as medication adjustments or lifestyle changes.
Short name
LV Ejection Fraction (CMR)
Frequently asked questions
How long will this test take?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the test?
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