: Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity, Left Ulnar Nerve
: This test measures how quickly electrical signals travel along a sensory nerve in your left arm—specifically the ulnar nerve—to help evaluate nerve function and detect possible nerve damage.
[": Nerve conduction velocity testing helps your doctor see whether the ulnar nerve is carrying signals normally or showing signs of slowed conduction or damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98630-7
- Short code
- Sensory NC velocity L ulnar n
- Synonyms
- Sensory NC velocity L ulnar n
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- nerve-conduction
- 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 This Test Measures
: Nerve conduction studies use small electrical pulses to stimulate a nerve and record how fast the resulting signal travels. For this test, the sensory fibers of the ulnar nerve on your left side are assessed, and the speed of the signal (conduction velocity) is calculated.
: How the Test Is Done
: You will likely lie down or sit while small electrodes are placed on your skin over the ulnar nerve and along your arm. A mild electrical pulse is applied and a recording electrode detects the nerve's response. You may feel brief tingling or a small jolt, but the test is generally well tolerated and usually takes only a few minutes for this nerve.
: What the Results Can Show
: Conduction velocity results help your doctor determine whether the nerve signal is normal, slowed, or absent. Slowed or reduced signals can suggest nerve compression, irritation, or damage. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, physical exam, and possibly other nerve tests.
: Preparing for the Test
: Your care team will give you specific instructions. In general, keep your skin clean and avoid lotions or creams on the arm before the test. Tell your technologist if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, and let them know about any medications or skin conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Sensory nerve conduction velocity testing of the ulnar nerve is commonly used to evaluate suspected ulnar neuropathy, such as compression at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or wrist, and to distinguish nerve involvement from other causes of numbness or tingling. It is often part of a broader nerve conduction study and should be interpreted by a qualified clinician in the context of your history and examination.
Short name
: SNCV Left Ulnar
Frequently asked questions
: Does the test hurt?
: Why is only the left ulnar nerve being tested?
: What happens after the 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