Vascular screening

You receive care from vascular experts using state-of-the-art technology at one of the largest vascular labs in the country. Vascular screening helps your provider detect and analyze the full range of vascular problems.

We also offer a convenient and comprehensive circulatory check-up for people concerned about their vascular disease risk. This check-up looks for blood vessel problems that could lead to life-threatening conditions, such as stroke, aneurysm or peripheral artery disease. Anyone can undergo this screening without a referral.

What is vascular screening?

Vascular screening involves medical tests to look at how well your vascular system works. Your vascular system is made up of blood vessels throughout your body, including arteries, capillaries and veins. Screening tests check for vascular problems before you develop any signs or symptoms.

Types of vascular screening tests

Vascular screening may include a range of noninvasive tests. Providers use several types of ultrasound methods, including Doppler and duplex ultrasounds, to evaluate vascular health.

A traditional ultrasound creates images using high-frequency sound waves. A Doppler ultrasound measures how fast blood flows through vessels and in which direction. A duplex ultrasound combines these methods to see blood vessel structures and to understand how well they work.

Blood flow tests

Your provider may look at blood flow in your arteries and veins using:

• Abdominal aorta duplex ultrasound, to see the main artery in your stomach
• Carotid duplex ultrasound, to see the major arteries in your neck
• Upper or lower arterial duplex ultrasound, to look at blood vessels in your arms or legs
• Upper or lower extremity arterial flow study, to evaluate blood flow in your arms or legs
• Venous duplex ultrasound, to look at veins in your arms or legs
• Venous reflux duplex ultrasound, to check for blood flow problems in your leg veins

They may also look at blood flow to and within specific organs, including:

• Mesenteric artery duplex ultrasound, to see the arteries that carry blood to your intestines
• Renal artery duplex ultrasound, to look at arteries that carry blood to your kidneys
• Transcranial Doppler examination, to view major arteries in your brain

Dialysis surveillance

You may need regular dialysis shunt duplex ultrasounds if you are on hemodialysis for kidney disease. This ultrasound checks for blood clots and narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

Finding these problems early keeps dialysis working properly. Your provider can intervene and fix the connection between your bloodstream and the dialysis machine as needed.

Vein mapping

You may need a vein mapping duplex ultrasound to prepare for hemodialysis or certain vascular surgeries. The test helps your provider find healthy arteries and veins that can support dialysis or blood vessel procedures.

Vascular screening uses and benefits

Screening helps your provider find vascular problems early, when they’re most treatable. It also helps you prevent more serious disease from developing.

Your provider may also use vascular screening to view your anatomy and blood vessel function. These details help your provider plan for vascular procedures and prevent complications.

What to expect with vascular screening

You’ll undergo several tests. Your provider recommends which ones you need, depending on factors such as your age, personal health history and family history. A vascular technologist does all your imaging and examinations in the vascular lab.

Then, a vascular surgeon reviews your test results. You’ll have an appointment with them to discuss your symptoms and any abnormal findings. Your surgeon will review possible next steps, such as treatment recommendations to improve vascular disease.

Vascular screening risks and side effects

Vascular screening is generally considered safe and causes minimal side effects. All tests rely on ultrasound imaging, which is a noninvasive and painless method. At most, you may feel slight discomfort from the pressure of the ultrasound tool on your skin.