The Vascular Lab is located in Suite 280, 2 North, at 123 Summer Street, Worcester and is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 508-363-6098.

The Vascular Laboratory provides tests to study the functions of your 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 perform these tests which are ordered by your physician.  Physicians then read and interpret the examination.  Results are forwarded to your 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 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

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.