Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Internal Area by Planimetry, Apical 2-Chamber View
An ultrasound measurement of the left ventricle’s internal area when it is fully relaxed, taken from the heart’s apical 2-chamber view.
["This echocardiography measurement helps assess the size and function of the heart’s main pumping chamber."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18099-2
- Short code
- LV Plane.dia Area A2C
- Synonyms
- LV Plane.dia Area A2C
- Category
- liver
- 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
- 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 test?
This is a measurement obtained during an echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound. Planimetry is used to estimate the internal area of the left ventricle in the apical 2-chamber view while the ventricle is fully relaxed, which is the end-diastolic phase of the heartbeat.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this measurement to evaluate heart structure, chamber size, and pumping function. It can support the assessment of conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure in the heart, or heart valve disease.
How is the test performed?
A technician or sonographer places an ultrasound probe on your chest or abdomen and records moving images of your heart. The clinician or trained reader then traces the border of the relaxed left ventricle in the apical 2-chamber view to estimate its internal area.
How do I prepare for the test?
A routine echocardiogram generally requires no fasting or special preparation. Wear comfortable clothing and follow any instructions provided for the specific echo test, especially if it includes walking on a treadmill or another stress component.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A larger-than-expected left ventricular area may indicate chamber enlargement or strain, while a smaller area may reflect reduced chamber filling. The result is interpreted with other echo measurements, your symptoms, medical history, and body size; this value alone does not diagnose a specific condition.
Short name
LV end-diastolic area (A2C)
Frequently asked questions
What does the apical 2-chamber view show?
Is this the same as the ejection fraction?
Does an abnormal result mean I have heart failure?
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