Vascular Labs
Baptist Health provides both non-invasive and invasive diagnostic studies for vascular (blood vessel) disease. Non-invasive studies help your doctor diagnose problems in the arteries and veins in your legs, arms or neck. The tests are called non-invasive, because no dyes, X-rays or needles are used to perform them.
Non-Invasive Vascular Studies
Non-invasive diagnostic tests for patients with venous disease (problems in the veins, such as varicose veins and thrombophlebitis or blood clots) include:
- Venous and Doppler tests use ultrasound to create a two-dimensional picture of your veins and is helpful in diagnosing many different kinds of venous disease, including weak valves and blood clots. It can also be used to measure the size of a vein.
Non-invasive diagnostic tests available for artery disease include:
- Duplex scanning. Duplex scanning uses ultrasound to create a picture of the arteries in your legs or the arteries leading to your brain and evaluate blood flow through the artery. It can be used to locate blockages and measure the size of an artery and how well blood flows through it.
Arterial Doppler Ultrasound
(Upper or Lower Extremities). This test is used to image the arteries in the arms or legs. The flow of blood is analyzed to diagnose and locate blockages that could lead to peripheral vascular disease, (PVD).
Instructions to the Patient
Access to the legs from the groin to the ankle, or access to the arms from the neck to the wrist is required. Please wear clothing that can be easily removed, either from the waist up or the waist down. Underwear does not have to be removed. The procedure is virtually painless. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for one extremity, approximately 60 minutes for two extremities.
During the test
- Gel will be applied to the skin over the extremity to be examined.
- A transducer (a small device that produces sound waves) will be pressed against the skin to record the images.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
This is an imaging test that uses ultrasound to examine the carotid arteries located in the neck. This test can show narrowing or possible blockages due to plaque buildup in the arteries due to coronary artery disease.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on only one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking and understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Instructions to the Patient
There is no specific preparation for this test. Please allow approximately 15-30 minutes for the test.
During the test
The following steps take place during this procedure: You'll lie down on the examination table with your head bent slightly backward. An ultrasound technician will apply a gel to your neck.
Venous Doppler Ultrasound
(Upper or Lower Extremities). This test is used to image the veins in the arms or legs. The most common use of this test is to search for blood clots. It’s also commonly used for people with varicose veins.
Your doctor may order this test if you have leg/arm pain or swelling, or if you have had a previous history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Left untreated, these blood clots can break off and pass into your lungs and potentially cause a pulmonary embolism.
Instructions to the Patient
There is no specific preparation for this test. Please allow approximately 30–60 minutes for the test depending if one or both legs or arms require testing.
During the test
- Gel will be applied to the skin over the extremity to be examined.
- A transducer (a small device that produces sound waves) will be pressed against the skin to record the images.
After the test
Your doctor will receive the results after the radiologist interprets the study. During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will discuss your results with you. If the test is positive for a blood clot, your physician will be notified of the results before you leave the facility.