Diagnostic Exams
Noninvasive procedures are those that are performed on the outside of the body and do not require the use of needles, catheters, or dye. There is no use of X-ray. The tests are painless and without side effects.
Vascular studies done in our lab use ultrasound (imaging), Doppler (audio), and special blood pressure cuffs designed to obtain information regarding blood flow. Tests are done with the patient usually lying down in a comfortable position on a stretcher. A qualified vascular technologist obtains a brief history, explains the type of examination, and performs the exam. The test results are reviewed and interpreted by Thomas E. Penn, M.D., the Medical Director. Patients should plan on allowing approximately one hour for each exam.