Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of Cervical Spine Vessels — Without Contrast
An MRI-based imaging test that evaluates blood vessels supplying the neck and brain, including the vertebral arteries, without injected contrast.
["This test uses MRI to show narrowing, blockage, or other abnormalities in the major vessels supplying the neck and brain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 37511-3
- Short code
- MRA C-spine ves WO contr
- Synonyms
- MRA C-spine ves WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- 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?
Magnetic resonance angiography, or MRA, creates detailed images of blood vessels without injected contrast. In this examination, the focus is on vessels associated with the cervical spine, including the vertebral arteries that help supply blood to the brain.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to investigate symptoms that could involve reduced blood flow to the brain, such as dizziness, visual changes, weakness, or difficulty with speech or balance. It may also be used to evaluate known or suspected narrowing, blockage, or aneurysm involving the neck vessels.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a table inside an MRI scanner while the machine creates images of the blood vessels in your neck. The scan may be noisy and can take some time, but it does not require injected contrast for this type of examination.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging center. You may need to remove jewelry, hearing aids, and other items containing metal, and you should tell the care team about implants, medication patches, pregnancy, or severe claustrophobia before the scan.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may include narrowing, partial or complete blockage, irregular vessel appearance, or an aneurysm. These findings may help explain symptoms or guide decisions about additional testing and treatment, but they should be interpreted together with the examination and other clinical information.
Short name
MRA of cervical spine vessels without contrast
Frequently asked questions
Does this MRA use injected contrast?
Is magnetic resonance angiography the same as a routine MRI?
What if I have metal in my body or feel confined in the scanner?
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