Magnetic Resonance Angiography, Lower Extremity, With or Without Intravenous Contrast
This imaging test uses magnetic resonance imaging to examine blood vessels in the lower legs, thighs, and pelvis for narrowing, blockage, or other vascular abnormalities.
["Lower-extremity MR angiography helps evaluate the arteries and veins supplying the legs and pelvis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36859-7
- Short code
- MRA LE ves-R WO+W contr IV
- Synonyms
- MRA LE ves-R WO+W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- CPT
- 85651
- 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?
Lower-extremity MR angiography is an imaging test that shows the blood vessels in the legs and pelvis. It may be performed with or without intravenous contrast material, depending on the examination ordered.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to investigate reduced blood flow, swelling, pain, numbness, or weakness in a leg. It can also help assess conditions such as peripheral artery disease, blood clots, or aneurysms and can be used for planning procedures.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table inside an MRI scanner while images of the lower-extremity blood vessels are recorded. If contrast is used, it is usually given through an intravenous line; the scan may include images before and after contrast.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell the imaging staff if you have an MRI implant, pacemaker, other metal in your body, or a previous reaction to contrast. The staff will also ask about pregnancy and kidney disease, and may screen you for contrast use before the examination.
Reference range
Adult males: 0-15 mm/hr; Females: 0-20 mm/hrN/A
No special preparation required. CRP may be affected by acute illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing or blockage of a leg artery, a blood clot, an aneurysm, or another problem affecting blood flow. The images are interpreted by a radiologist and should be considered together with your symptoms, examination, and other tests.
Short name
Lower-extremity MR angiography
Frequently asked questions
Does this test use radiation?
Will I receive intravenous contrast?
Will the scan be painful?
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