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100+ Free ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Practice Questions

Pass your ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Certification RT(VI) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
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What is the primary purpose of using a hydrophilic guidewire during vascular interventional procedures?

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B
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Exam

210

Total Questions

ARRT postprimary handbook (160 scored + 50 pilot)

210 min

Exam Time

ARRT exam duration table

75

Passing Scaled Score

ARRT scoring model

$225

Exam Fee

ARRT fee schedule (2026)

60%

Procedures Weight

ARRT VI content specifications

R.T.(R)

Required Prerequisite

ARRT postprimary pathway

The ARRT VI exam uses 210 total items (160 scored + 50 pilot), with 210 minutes of test time in a 230-minute appointment. Passing requires a scaled score of 75. Content spans Patient Care, Image Production, and Procedures (vascular diagnostic, vascular interventional, and non-vascular interventional). The $225 postprimary fee applies. Candidates must first hold ARRT R.T.(R) Radiography.

Sample ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient develops hives, bronchospasm, and hypotension after iodinated contrast injection during an angiographic procedure. What is the first-line treatment?
A.Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV
B.Epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg IM
C.Normal saline bolus
D.Hydrocortisone 200 mg IV
Explanation: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It reverses bronchospasm, improves blood pressure through vasoconstriction, and stabilizes mast cells to reduce further mediator release. The standard dose is 0.3-0.5 mg intramuscularly for adults. Diphenhydramine and steroids are adjunctive therapies, not first-line treatments for severe anaphylaxis.
2Which laboratory test is essential to check before administering iodinated contrast in a patient with diabetes and suspected renal insufficiency?
A.Complete blood count
B.Serum creatinine / eGFR
C.Blood glucose level
D.Prothrombin time (PT)
Explanation: Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are essential before contrast administration to assess baseline renal function. Patients with eGFR below 30 mL/min are at high risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Diabetic patients taking metformin require special attention because metformin may need to be held if renal function is impaired.
3During a diagnostic cerebral angiogram, the technologist notices the patient suddenly develops contralateral hemiparesis. What complication should be suspected?
A.Vasovagal response
B.Thromboembolic stroke
C.Contrast allergy
D.Groin hematoma
Explanation: Sudden contralateral hemiparesis (weakness on one side opposite the catheterized vessel) during cerebral angiography is a classic sign of thromboembolic stroke. Catheter manipulation in the cerebral vessels can dislodge plaque or thrombus, which embolizes to brain arteries. This is a neurological emergency requiring immediate assessment and possible intra-arterial thrombolysis or thrombectomy.
4What is the primary purpose of performing an abdominal aortogram?
A.Evaluate cardiac ejection fraction
B.Visualize the abdominal aorta and its branch vessels
C.Measure pulmonary artery pressures
D.Assess intracranial vasculature
Explanation: An abdominal aortogram involves contrast injection into the abdominal aorta to visualize the aorta and its major branches including the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, renal arteries, and iliac arteries. It helps diagnose aortic aneurysm, stenosis, occlusion, and arteriovenous malformations. It serves as a roadmap for selective catheterization of branch vessels.
5Which vessel is most commonly used for vascular access during lower extremity peripheral angiography?
A.Brachial artery
B.Common femoral artery
C.Radial artery
D.Popliteal artery
Explanation: The common femoral artery (CFA) is the most commonly used access site for lower extremity peripheral angiography. It provides a large, easily compressible vessel over the femoral head, allowing catheter advancement to the aorta and selective catheterization of peripheral vessels. The CFA is preferred for its size, accessibility, and lower complication rate compared to alternative access sites.
6What is the Seldinger technique?
A.A method for performing balloon angioplasty
B.A percutaneous vessel access method using a needle, guidewire, and catheter
C.A surgical cut-down procedure for vessel exposure
D.A technique for stent deployment
Explanation: The Seldinger technique is the standard method for percutaneous vascular access. It involves: (1) puncturing the vessel with a hollow needle, (2) advancing a guidewire through the needle, (3) removing the needle while the wire remains, (4) threading a catheter or sheath over the wire, and (5) removing the wire. This technique allows atraumatic vessel entry without surgical exposure.
7Which type of catheter has a curved tip designed for selective catheterization of visceral arteries from a femoral approach?
A.Pigtail catheter
B.Cobra catheter
C.Straight flush catheter
D.Swan-Ganz catheter
Explanation: The Cobra catheter has a curved tip resembling a cobra head, designed for selective catheterization of visceral arteries (celiac, SMA, renal) from a femoral approach. Different sizes (C1, C2, C3) offer varying curve lengths for different vessel origins. The Cobra shape allows the catheter to engage downward-facing vessel ostia encountered when approaching from below.
8What is the primary indication for renal artery angioplasty and stenting?
A.Renal cell carcinoma
B.Hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis causing renovascular hypertension
C.Urinary tract infection
D.Polycystic kidney disease
Explanation: Renal artery stenting is indicated for hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis (typically >70% narrowing) that causes renovascular hypertension or threatens renal function. Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is the most common etiology. The goal is to restore adequate renal perfusion, which may improve blood pressure control and preserve kidney function.
9During digital subtraction angiography (DSA), patient motion between the mask and contrast images causes which artifact?
A.Ring artifact
B.Misregistration artifact
C.Quantum mottle
D.Beam hardening
Explanation: Misregistration artifact occurs when the patient moves between acquisition of the pre-contrast mask image and the subsequent contrast-enhanced images. The subtraction algorithm assumes the anatomy is in exactly the same position; any movement creates ghost-like edges and obscures vascular detail. Pixel shifting can partially correct minor misregistration.
10What is the purpose of embolization in vascular interventional radiography?
A.To widen a narrowed blood vessel
B.To intentionally occlude a vessel to stop bleeding or devascularize a tumor
C.To remove a blood clot from a vessel
D.To measure blood flow velocity
Explanation: Embolization is the intentional occlusion of a blood vessel using various embolic agents (coils, particles, liquid embolic agents, gelfoam). Indications include hemorrhage control, tumor devascularization before surgery, treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and organ ablation. The goal is to selectively block blood flow to the target area while preserving normal perfusion to surrounding tissues.

About the ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Exam

ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography RT(VI) is a postprimary credential for radiologic technologists specializing in non-cardiac vascular interventional procedures. The exam covers patient care, image production, and vascular procedures including angiography, embolization, thrombolysis, angioplasty, stenting, and non-vascular interventions.

Questions

160 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score 75

Exam Fee

$225 (ARRT)

ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Exam Content Outline

~35 scored (22%)

Patient Care

Patient assessment, monitoring, pharmacology, contrast management, sterile technique, sedation, and emergency care

~29 scored (18%)

Image Production

Angiographic equipment, DSA acquisition, fluoroscopy modes, quality control, and radiation protection for patients and personnel

~96 scored (60%)

Procedures

Vascular diagnostic angiography, embolization, thrombolysis, angioplasty, stenting, venous procedures, IVC filters, and non-vascular interventions

How to Pass the ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 75
  • Exam length: 160 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: $225

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ARRT Vascular-Interventional Radiography Study Tips from Top Performers

1Procedures dominate at 60% — master vascular anatomy, embolization agents, thrombolysis protocols, and stenting techniques
2Know peripheral arterial anatomy cold: aortic branches, lower extremity runoff vessels, and cerebral vasculature
3Study DSA thoroughly: subtraction technique, misregistration artifacts, pixel shifting, and roadmapping
4Understand all embolic agents: coils, particles, glue (NBCA), gelfoam — indications, advantages, and complications
5Practice radiation protection scenarios: ALARA, dose monitoring, shielding, and dose reduction techniques for long fluoroscopy cases

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ARRT VI exam?

The ARRT VI exam has 210 total questions: 160 scored items plus 50 pilot (unscored) items. Pilot questions are randomly mixed in and indistinguishable from scored questions.

How long is the ARRT Vascular-Interventional exam?

ARRT allocates 210 minutes of test time for the VI exam within a 230-minute total appointment that includes a tutorial, NDA, and post-exam survey.

What score do I need to pass the ARRT VI exam?

You need a scaled score of 75 to pass. The number of correct answers needed varies by exam version due to ARRT's scaled scoring methodology.

What are the prerequisites for the ARRT VI credential?

You must hold current ARRT R.T.(R) Radiography certification, complete structured education in vascular interventional procedures, and document clinical experience through ARRT's online tool.

How much does the ARRT VI exam cost?

The postprimary application fee is $225. A reapplication after a failed attempt costs $200.

How should I prepare for the ARRT VI exam in 2026?

Procedures account for 60% of scored content, so prioritize vascular anatomy, embolization techniques, thrombolysis, angioplasty, and stenting. Build strong DSA imaging skills and master radiation protection principles for high-volume fluoroscopy procedures.