The Vascular Lab is located in Suite 280, 2 North, at 123 Summer Street, Worcester and is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at 508-363-6098.

Appointment Information
To schedule a weekday appointment for routine and emergent studies, please call Patient Access Scheduling at 508-363-9729.  On weekends and holidays on call coverage is available for emergencies from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The on-call technologist may be reached by calling the main hospital number 508-363-5000 and having the operator page 9134 between those hours.

Registration
For patient convenience, registration is available Monday through Friday within Suite 280.  For on call weekend and holiday emergencies, outpatients need to register in Suite 310, Level 2 South.

The Vascular Laboratory performs over 9,000 procedures yearly to study the functions of arteries and veins.  These tests are considered noninvasive which means:

    There are NO needle injections
    NO dyes or x-rays are used
    NO side effects or pain is associated with these tests.

Trained technologists with specialized training perform these tests which must by ordered by a physician.  Physicians credentialed in Vascular Laboratory interpretation then read and interpret the examinations.  Results are forwarded to the patient's physician.

Diagnostic Tests Performed at the Vascular Laboratory

The following tests are ultrasound tests.  Clear gel is placed on the area being tested and a sensing device with a smooth surface is moved along the skin.  These tests take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

1.  Carotid Duplex Scan

This test studies images and body flow of the carotid arteries in the neck to check for blockages or narrowing in these blood vessels.

2. Venous Duplex Scan

This test studies images and blood flow in the veins to check for clots.

3.  Venous Reflux

A specific type of venous duplex to evaluate blood flow in patients with varicose veins.

4.  Duplex Scan of Native Arteries and Arterial Bypass

This test studies images and blood flow of an arterial bypass graft in the leg after bypass surgery.

5.  Vein Mapping

This test is a type of duplex scan, where a sensing device with a smooth surface is moved along the skin (usually on the leg and sometimes on the arm) to produce an image which helps to examine the veins prior to their being used for bypass surgery.  The location of the veins is mapped with an ink marker to identify the veins which could be used for arterial bypass surgery.  (You are required NOT to wash off any marks made one the skin until after your operation has been completed.)

6.  Abdominal Duplex Scan; Renal Arteries, Mesenteric Arteries, Hepatic/Portal Vessels, AAA

This is an ultrasound test of the veins and arteries of the abdomen to determine if there is a blockage or clot.  These tests take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete.  (You will be asked to FAST for 8 hours prior to the time of your test.  Fasting helps obtain clearer pictures of your blood vessels.  If you are on any medications, you may take it with sips of water.)

7.  Segmental Doppler, Pressures and Pulse Volume Recording

This test studies arterial circulation in either the arm of the legs by using blood pressure cuffs.  Pressures and graphs are obtained by inflating the cuffs and listening to the blood flow in the feet and arms.

Specialized studies include: cold studies, popliteal entrapment, thoracic outlet and transcranial doppler.

The Vascular Laboratory has been accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) since 1993.  The Vascular Laboratory belongs to a select number of vascular laboratories in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico that meet the ICAVL standards for noninvasive testing.  Participation in the accreditation process demonstrates the laboratory's attention to a high level of patient care and quality testing.