Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Renal Vessels, Without and With Intravenous Contrast
MRI imaging of the blood vessels supplying and draining the kidneys, performed before and after intravenous contrast.
["This test uses MRI images to evaluate the renal blood vessels for narrowing, blockage, or other abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44134-5
- Short code
- MRA Renal ves WO+W contr IV
- Synonyms
- MRA Renal ves WO+W contr IV
- 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?
Renal MR angiography is an MRI-based examination of the blood vessels connected to the kidneys. Images are usually obtained first without contrast and then after an intravenous injection of a contrast agent.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to investigate suspected narrowing or blockage of a renal artery, problems with kidney blood flow, or symptoms such as high blood pressure, worsening kidney function, or unexplained changes in kidney function.
How is the test performed?
You lie on a moving MRI table while the scanner takes many images. You may hear loud knocking sounds, and you may be asked to hold still or briefly hold your breath. If contrast is used, it is given through a small intravenous line, and additional images are taken afterward.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions and tell the technologist about metal implants, claustrophobia, pregnancy, kidney disease, or previous contrast reactions. The center may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for a limited time and may check your kidney function before giving contrast.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate narrowing, partial or complete blockage, aneurysmal enlargement, or a blood-flow problem affecting the kidneys. Results are interpreted together with blood pressure, kidney function, symptoms, and other imaging or laboratory tests. A radiologist will provide the findings to your ordering clinician, who will explain what they mean for your care.
Short name
Renal MR angiography
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a kidney MRI?
Why are images taken with and without contrast?
Is the intravenous contrast safe?
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