Arteriovenous Graft Pressure Measurement (Static Venous Pressure)
This test evaluates the blood flow and pressure in an arteriovenous (AV) graft, a medical device used to bypass blocked blood vessels. It helps doctors assess how well the graft is functioning and whether it needs adjustment or replacement.
This test checks if your graft is working properly to maintain healthy blood flow.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72040-9
- Short code
- TESTINGOFARTERIOVENOUSGRAFTPERFORMEDUSINGSTATICVENOUSPRESSURE
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- esrd
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like swelling, pain, or poor circulation in your arm or leg near the graft. It’s also used to monitor graft function before or after surgery, or if you’ve had complications like clots or narrowing.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll lie down while a nurse or doctor inserts a small tube (catheter) into the graft. A monitor will measure the pressure in the graft’s veins. The process is quick and painless, but you may feel a slight pinch when the catheter is inserted.
Preparing for the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the test if you’re also having bloodwork, but this isn’t always required for pressure measurement alone.
What the Results Mean
Results help your doctor determine if the graft is functioning normally. Low pressure may indicate poor blood flow, while high pressure could suggest blockages or other issues that need treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing vascular conditions in patients with AV grafts. Abnormal pressures can signal early problems like graft stenosis (narrowing), thrombosis (clots), or inadequate perfusion, allowing for timely interventions such as adjustments, stenting, or graft replacement to improve circulation and prevent complications like infections or tissue damage.
Short name
Graft Pressure Test
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the test?
How long does the test take?
What should I do if I notice swelling or pain near the graft 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