Carotid and Cerebral Angiography, Right Femoral Artery Approach, with Intra-arterial Contrast
An X-ray–based vascular study that uses contrast to examine the carotid and cerebral arteries and identify narrowing, blockage, or other abnormalities.
["This test uses contrast and X-rays to evaluate blood flow through the arteries supplying the brain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39095-5
- Short code
- RFA Carot a+Cerebral a Vs W contr IA
- Synonyms
- RFA Carot a+Cerebral a Vs W contr IA
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rf-angio
- CPT
- 86430
- 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?
Carotid and cerebral angiography is an imaging test that uses contrast material and X-rays to show the arteries that carry blood to the brain. It can reveal problems such as narrowed or blocked vessels and may also provide information needed to plan treatment.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to evaluate symptoms of reduced brain blood flow, such as stroke-like symptoms, or to investigate an aneurysm, abnormal blood vessel connection, or suspected artery narrowing. It may also be performed before a procedure to open or treat a blood vessel.
How is the test performed?
After numbing the access site, a clinician inserts a thin catheter, usually through the right femoral artery in the groin, and guides it to the arteries being examined. Contrast material is then injected while X-ray images are taken. You may be asked to hold still or briefly hold your breath.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the facility's instructions about fasting and medication use. Tell your care team about any prior contrast reaction, kidney disease, bleeding problems, pregnancy, or allergy history before the procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate an artery narrowed by plaque, a blockage, an aneurysm, or an abnormal connection between blood vessels. The location and severity of the finding help the clinician determine whether medication, surgery, or another vascular procedure may be appropriate. Angiography can also be used as part of a planned treatment rather than solely for diagnosis.
Short name
Carotid/cerebral angiography
Frequently asked questions
Is carotid and cerebral angiography the same as a CT angiogram?
What are the main risks of this test?
Will I need someone to drive me home?
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