Non-Invasive Vascular Lab

Invaluable information regarding the health of your vascular system

What Is A Non-Invasive Vascular Lab?

When patients hear the term, “lab” they frequently think of a place where blood is drawn and perhaps, a place where painful tests are done. A ‘vascular lab” or “non-invasive lab” is a bit different. It is a place where specialized vascular ultrasound exams are performed to diagnose a wide range of conditions. These tests are painless, yet they provide invaluable information regarding the health of your vascular system.

Why Choose Nevada Vein and Vascular for your Vascular Testing?

Did you know that you have a choice when it comes to where your diagnostic testing is performed?

Where your test is performed matters a great deal. Unlike x-ray exams, CT scans, or MRIs which routinely yield quality images and results, the results obtained from vascular ultrasound testing are highly dependent on several factors including the quality of the testing equipment, the ultrasound technician performing the exam, and the physician interpreting the images.

If a vascular ultrasound is done poorly, the results may be insufficient for a treating physician to make accurate clinical decisions, your insurance company may deny a claim for vascular intervention, and additional expensive and/or invasive testing may be needed.

At Nevada Vein and Vascular, our sole focus is the diagnosis and management of vascular disease. Dr. Albright holds RVT (registered vascular technologist) credentials, and our technologist performing your study has over 25 years of vascular ultrasound experience. Together, our team performs, reviews, and interprets hundreds of vascular ultrasounds every year. At Nevada Vein and Vascular, your vascular testing is done correctly the first time, every time.

Request that your testing be performed at Nevada Vein and Vascular.

For more information about the RPVI and RVT certifications our physicians hold, please follow these links:

https://www.apca.org/certifications-examinations/registered-physician-in-vascular-interpretation
https://www.apca.org/certifications-examinations/registered-vascular-techologist

Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound

This test evaluates blood flow in the legs. Blockages in these vessels can cause thigh or calf cramping with exercise. In extreme cases, severe blockage may lead to pain at rest or non-healing wounds. This test is also ordered for surveillance when patients have stents or a bypass in the legs

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

This is the most basic of the non-invasive tests. Blood pressure is taken in the arms and at the ankles. The ratio between the two is checked and if this number is abnormal, it suggests that peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is present. An abnormal ABI exam helps determine what additional non-invasive testing is needed.

Aortic Ultrasound/AAA Screening

This is a screening test to check for the presence of an aortic aneurysm.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends aneurysm screening for all men between the ages of 65-75 who have ever smoked, or for any men or women with a family history of aortic aneurysm.

Aortoiliac Ultrasound

This test evaluates blood flow within the aorta and iliac arteries in the pelvis. Blockage in these vessels can cause buttock cramping, thigh cramping, and impotence.

Renal Artery Ultrasound

Evaluates the blood flow to the kidneys to look for significant blockages. Renal artery stenosis can cause hypertension which is difficult to control with medication.

Mesenteric Ultrasound

This test evaluates blood flow to the intestines. Significant blockage in these vessels may cause abdominal pain after meals, unintentional weight loss, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.

Carotid Ultrasound

May be ordered as a screening exam to check for the presence of carotid stenosis, subclavian artery stenosis, or vertebral artery disease.

Carotid artery disease may lead to stroke. This test may also be ordered as part of a surveillance plan for patients who have carotid disease, but who do not yet meet criteria for surgery, or for surveillance after carotid surgery.

Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound

Venous Reflux Ultrasound

This test checks the functionality of the veins in the legs. If veins are dysfunctional, it may cause leg swelling, varicose veins, darkening of the skin, and in extreme cases, wounds or ulcers.

Fistula Ultrasound

These ultrasound exams are for dialysis patients. They evaluate how well a fistula is functioning, guide therapy for surveillance, and help us assess the need for an intervention to keep the dialysis access working appropriately

Vein Mapping

These ultrasound exams are specialized tests surgeons use to plan for bypass surgery in the legs. We also map veins in the arms for patients who need dialysis fistulas. These tests check for blood clots and also the diameter of the veins in the arm or legs.