Fluoroscopy-Guided Central Venous Catheter Placement with Intravenous Contrast
An imaging-guided procedure places a central venous catheter, using intravenous contrast to help confirm the catheter position.
["This procedure uses imaging and contrast to safely place a central venous catheter."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26312-9
- Short code
- RFA Guided Vein-R CVC place--W contr IV
- Synonyms
- RFA Guided Vein-R CVC place--W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rf-angio
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 fluoroscopy-guided central venous catheter placement procedure. A catheter is passed into a large central vein, and intravenous contrast may be used to check its position and confirm that it is functioning properly.
Why might I need this test?
A central venous catheter may be needed for long-term intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, dialysis, or nutrition. It may also be used when reliable access to a vein is needed but standard peripheral access is not suitable.
How is the test performed?
After numbing the skin, a clinician uses fluoroscopic imaging to guide the catheter into a vein, usually through the neck, chest, or groin. Contrast may be injected through the catheter, and images are taken to verify its position before the procedure is completed.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell the clinician about any contrast allergy, kidney disease, bleeding disorder, blood thinner use, or previous catheter problems. Tell them if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, and follow the facility's instructions about medications, eating, and drinking.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This procedure does not usually produce a laboratory value that is interpreted as normal or abnormal. Imaging during the procedure helps identify incorrect catheter placement, and post-procedure imaging may be used to check for complications such as pneumothorax, bleeding, or contrast-related problems.
Short name
Guided central venous catheter placement
Frequently asked questions
Is this procedure painful?
Why is contrast used?
What should I do after the procedure?
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