Nitric Oxide in Whole Blood (Stable Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry)
This test measures the level of nitric oxide, a naturally occurring chemical in your blood that helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow. Nitric oxide is produced by your body in response to certain conditions and can be studied to understand vascular health.
["Nitric oxide helps maintain healthy blood vessels and may be checked if you have concerns about circulation or blood pressure issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90502-6
- Short code
- MDSV30RAIV1172IDENTIFICATIONINFORMATIONNTST
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cms-assessment
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, poor circulation, or conditions affecting blood vessels. It might also be used in research or specialized studies involving nitric oxide metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a small sample of whole blood drawn from a vein, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results help assess how well your body produces nitric oxide, which can indicate whether your blood vessels are functioning normally. Abnormal levels may suggest underlying vascular or cardiovascular concerns.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is less commonly used in routine care but may be part of advanced studies for conditions like peripheral artery disease, vascular dysfunction, or research into nitric oxide’s role in health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated or reduced nitric oxide levels may signal vascular issues, such as atherosclerosis or endothelial dysfunction, but interpretation depends on clinical context and other test results. It’s often used in specialized settings like clinical trials or research.
Short name
Nitric Oxide (NO) Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have high blood pressure?
How long will it take to get my results?
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