A vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to show blood moving through your arteries and veins. It is painless, uses no radiation and no needles, and gives your doctor real answers about blockages, clots and aneurysms. FCCI's accredited Non-Invasive Vascular Lab is the only lab in Jacksonville solely dedicated to vascular testing. Here is what to expect.
How the test works
You lie on an exam table. A technologist puts warm gel on your skin and moves a small handheld probe over the area. The machine shows pictures of the vessels and measures how fast blood is flowing. Some tests also use blood pressure cuffs on your arms or legs.
Common tests and how long they take
Times below come from FCCI's vascular lab.
- Carotid artery duplex: about 30 minutes
- Venous duplex for blood clots: about 30 minutes
- Venous insufficiency exam: about 1 hour
- Peripheral arterial duplex for PAD: about 2 hours
- Renal artery duplex: 1 to 2 hours
- Aortic aneurysm endograft duplex: 30 to 45 minutes
- Dialysis fistula or graft duplex: 20 to 30 minutes
How to prepare
Some tests look at arteries deep in the belly, where gas and food get in the way. For the peripheral arterial duplex, renal artery duplex and aortic aneurysm scan, FCCI asks you to avoid food, drinks, tobacco and caffeine for at least 7 hours before. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Bring your medicine list and insurance card.
After the test
You can usually go about your day right away. Your doctor reviews the images and follows up with you about a personalized plan. Ask when and how you will get results.
Why a dedicated lab matters
Vascular testing takes skill. A lab that focuses only on vascular studies sees these tests all day. FCCI's lab is accredited, and its results feed straight to the cardiologists who treat artery and vein disease.
Tests your doctor may order and why
The test depends on your symptoms. Leg cramps, leg pain, non-healing foot wounds or cool feet may lead to a peripheral arterial duplex for PAD. Leg pain, swelling or suspected clots may lead to a venous duplex. Varicose veins or skin changes may lead to a venous insufficiency exam.
One-sided weakness, trouble speaking or brief vision loss in one eye may lead to a carotid duplex. High blood pressure with fluid retention or fatigue may lead to a renal artery duplex. A pulsing feeling in the belly or back pain may lead to an aortic scan.
If you have a stent or bypass, a stent and graft evaluation checks that blood still flows well through it.
Why patients choose FCCI
FCCI has been doing this since 2002, with board-certified doctors in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam and Ware counties and seven cardiovascular accreditations. If an ultrasound shows something that needs treatment, FCCI was first in the region to offer outpatient catheterization, in labs in Jacksonville (2007) and Palatka (2016) accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
The practice takes Medicare, Tricare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana (with some exceptions) and many other plans, and the front desk will check yours.
Booking your scan
Ask when you book whether your test needs the seven hour fast, and wear clothes that make it easy to reach the area being scanned. Bring your medicine list and ID, and if you have had a stent or bypass, let the scheduler know.
Most offices are reached at 904.493.3333, Orange Park at 904.644.0092 and Palatka at 386.325.2836, and the booking page works too. This guide explains how the tests work and is not a substitute for your doctor's advice. Stroke signs or sudden chest or belly pain mean 911.
