Median Arterial Blood Pressure (MAP) via Mediastinal Artery Catheterization (qualitative measurement of perfusion pressure)
This test measures the average blood pressure in your arteries using a catheter placed in the mediastinum, often monitored during certain surgeries or critical care situations.
["Understanding your blood pressure during specific medical procedures can help doctors assess how well your body is receiving blood flow."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 37233-4
- Short code
- XR tomo Mediastinum
- Synonyms
- XR tomo Mediastinum
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-tomography
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 Used For?
Doctors may use this test during surgeries like aortic or heart valve repairs, or in intensive care settings to monitor blood flow to vital organs. It helps ensure your body is receiving adequate pressure to maintain organ function.
How Is This Test Performed?
A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel near the heart, often guided to the mediastinum. Blood pressure is continuously measured and monitored by medical staff.
What Does This Test Tell Us?
The test provides real-time data on your blood pressure, helping doctors adjust treatments if needed. It can reveal issues like low or high perfusion pressure that might affect your heart, kidneys, or other organs.
What Are the Possible Risks?
Common risks include infection at the insertion site, bleeding, or temporary discomfort. Rarely, there may be complications like catheter-related blood clots or damage to nearby blood vessels.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical in high-risk patients, such as those undergoing major heart surgery or those with severe heart failure. Abnormal readings may prompt immediate medical intervention to stabilize blood flow and prevent organ damage.
Frequently asked questions
Why would my doctor order this test?
What should I expect after the test?
Does this test require fasting?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy