Angiography is an x-ray based imaging technique used to evaluate the inside of blood vessels and some organs of the human body such as the heart. Arteriography is the term used to specify imaging of arteries; the imaging of veins is termed venography.

Cardiac catheterization includes imaging of the blood vessels, chambers and valves of the heart.

During an angiogram, the technologist assists the radiologist or cardiologist to place a specialized tube, called a catheter, into the blood vessel of interest. A radio-opaque chemical substance, called a contrast agent, is then injected through the catheter and into the blood vessel in order to visualize it on the images.

In addition to monitoring and caring for the patient, the technologist uses sophisticated fluoroscopic / radioscopic equipment to obtain dynamic, or real-time, images of the area under study. Conventional or still radiographic images may be obtained as well.