Vascular laboratory services

Saint Joseph's vascular lab was the first accredited vascular lab in the city of Atlanta and prides itself in offering the highest quality vascular lab services available. The vascular lab staff recognizes the unique needs of patients and the importance of timely information for referring physicians. The vascular lab has specially designed equipment to examine arteries and veins for significant blockages and uses ultrasound equipment so all of the tests are painless--no needles or dye are required.

What types of tests are performed in the lab?

• Carotid study: this study looks at the main arteries in the neck which supply blood flow to the brain.
• Artery and vein studies of arms and legs: these studies look at the blood supply in the legs and arms.
• Abdominal Aorta study: this study examines the main artery in the abdomen, looking for blockages as well as an abnormal “ballooning” of the vessel.
• Renal and mesenteric studies: Renal studies look at the blood flow in the artery that feeds the kidneys and mesenteric studies look at blood flow in the arteries that feed the intestine.

What to expect
There is no preparation for vascular lab tests. Most exams take between 30 minutes to one hour to perform. During the test, a highly-qualified and trained vascular technologist performs an ultrasound of the area to be studied, in which a transducer (about the size of a human fist) is rubbed over the area of interest. Test results are interpreted by a vascular surgeon and a copy of the report is sent to the referring physician. Patients are able to resume all normal activities immediately following the exam.

For more information, or to make a referral, please call 404-851-7454.