Skip to content

Radiofrequency Ablation–Guided Hepatic Catheter Placement with Contrast

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This is an imaging-guided procedure in which a catheter is positioned in a blood vessel serving the liver and contrast material is given.

Quick summary

["The procedure is performed to guide liver treatment and may help identify blood-flow problems or guide therapy near an ablated liver tumor."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25077-9
Short code
RFA Guided Hep a Cath place--W contr IA
Synonyms
RFA Guided Hep a Cath place--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?

This is a procedure rather than a routine blood test. Under RFA guidance, a thin catheter is placed into a blood vessel that supplies the liver, and contrast material is injected so the blood vessels can be seen with imaging.

Why might I need this test?

It may be performed to map blood flow, plan or deliver treatment for a liver lesion, or assess vessels after radiofrequency ablation. Your clinician will explain the specific reason for the procedure.

How is the test performed?

After numbing the access site, a clinician inserts the catheter, advances it under imaging guidance, and injects contrast. Images are reviewed to confirm catheter position and the appearance of the liver blood vessels.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the imaging center's instructions, as fasting or other preparation may depend on the planned procedure. Tell the care team about contrast allergies, kidney disease, bleeding problems, pregnancy, and medicines such as blood thinners.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

RFA-guided hepatic catheter placement

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as an ablation?
No. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to treat tissue, while catheter placement uses a thin tube and contrast to examine or access liver blood vessels. The procedures may be related or performed during the same treatment plan.
Will I feel the catheter being placed?
You may feel pressure at the catheter insertion site, but the area is usually numbed. Sedation may be used depending on the procedure and the center's practice.
Are there risks from the contrast material?
Contrast can occasionally cause an allergic-like reaction or affect kidney function. Tell the care team about prior contrast reactions, kidney disease, and any medication allergies before the procedure.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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