Nerve conduction velocity measurement
This test evaluates how well electrical signals travel along your nerves, often used to diagnose conditions like peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage.
["Assesses nerve function to identify potential nerve damage or disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98701-6
- Short code
- Nerve seg measured
- Synonyms
- Nerve seg measured
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 a Nerve Conduction Velocity Test?
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test measures the speed at which electrical impulses travel through your nerves. Electrodes are placed on your skin at specific points along affected nerves to detect and record these signals. The test helps doctors assess nerve health and diagnose conditions like nerve damage, muscle disorders, or peripheral neuropathy.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend an NCV test if you have symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your limbs, unexplained muscle weakness, or a history of conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or nerve injuries.
How Is the Test Performed?
During the test, electrodes are attached to your skin at various points along your nerves. A small electrical stimulus is applied to trigger a nerve impulse, and the speed at which the impulse travels is measured. The process is usually quick and painless, though you may feel a mild tingling sensation.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results show the speed of nerve signal transmission. Slower-than-normal conduction may indicate nerve damage or disease, while faster-than-normal speeds could suggest demyelination (a nerve coating issue). Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Nerve conduction velocity tests play a critical role in diagnosing and managing nerve-related disorders. They help identify issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy by providing objective evidence of nerve function.
Short name
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
How long does the test take?
Is the test 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