###1: Mitral Valve Orifice Area, Cardiac Catheterization
###3: This test estimates the effective opening area of the mitral valve using pressure and blood-flow measurements obtained during cardiac catheterization. It helps evaluate how much blood can pass from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
["###4: A smaller-than-expected mitral valve orifice area can indicate significant narrowing, or mitral valve stenosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80231-4
- Short code
- Orifice area MV Cardiac Cath
- Synonyms
- Orifice area MV Cardiac Cath
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cardiac-catheterization
- CPT
- 82378
- SNOMED
- 394995008
- 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
###5: What the test measures
###6: Mitral valve orifice area is a calculated measurement of the valve’s functional opening. Cardiac catheterization provides the pressure and flow data used to estimate this area.
###7: How the test is performed
###8: During cardiac catheterization, thin catheters are guided through a blood vessel to the heart. Measurements are taken in the left atrium and left ventricle, and the results may be used to calculate the mitral valve orifice area.
###9: Why it is done
###10: The measurement may be used to assess suspected mitral valve stenosis, confirm its severity, or help plan treatment. It is generally considered when echocardiography or other noninvasive imaging does not provide enough information.
###11: How to understand the result
###11: A smaller orifice area generally suggests more severe narrowing of the mitral valve, but interpretation also depends on symptoms, heart function, blood-flow conditions, and the method used to calculate the value. The result should be reviewed with the clinician performing the procedure.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL; Smokers: <5.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
###13: Clinical significance: Mitral valve orifice area helps determine whether narrowed mitral valve blood flow is likely to cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or fluid retention. It may influence decisions about medications, whether repeat imaging is needed, and whether valve procedures should be considered.
Short name
###2: Mitral valve orifice area
Frequently asked questions
###14: What does a low mitral valve orifice area mean?
###16: Is cardiac catheterization risky?
###18: How is this different from a mitral valve area measured by echocardiography?
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