###1: Pulmonary Vein A-Wave Duration by Doppler Echocardiography
###3: This is a Doppler echocardiography measurement of the duration of the A-wave component of blood flow in a pulmonary vein. The A-wave relates to blood-flow changes associated with contraction of the left atrium.
["###4: The result helps assess cardiac blood-flow patterns and is interpreted together with the rest of the echocardiogram and the patient's clinical findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78184-9
- Short code
- Pulm vein A wave duration DOP.PW
- Synonyms
- Pulm vein A wave duration DOP.PW
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-doppler-pw
- 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: Doppler ultrasound records the speed and timing of blood flow through a pulmonary vein. The duration of the A-wave provides information about the flow pattern associated with left atrial contraction.
###7: How the Test Is Performed
###8: A technician or sonographer uses a handheld Doppler probe and an ultrasound transducer to record blood-flow waveforms from pulmonary veins, usually as part of a complete echocardiogram. The examination is noninvasive and generally painless.
###9: How the Result Is Used
###10: A clinician may consider the A-wave duration when evaluating left-sided heart function, atrial contraction, and patterns of blood flow returning from the lungs to the heart. The measurement is interpreted with other Doppler and structural echocardiographic findings rather than by itself.
###11: Limitations and Considerations
###12: The measurement can be affected by breathing, heart rhythm, probe angle, image quality, and the presence of heart disease. If the pulmonary vein cannot be imaged clearly, the result may be incomplete or unreliable.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
###2: Pulmonary Vein A-Wave Duration
Frequently asked questions
###14: Why is pulmonary vein A-wave duration measured?
###16: Does the test require special preparation?
###18: Is pulmonary vein A-wave duration the same as an electrocardiogram test?
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