What is a Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory?

A noninvasive vascular laboratory is a specially designed laboratory that has both equipment and personnel to diagnose problems of the vascular system in a manner that is safe, pain-free, risk-free and accurate.  The improvement in ultrasound technology has brought the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory to the forefront in the diagnosis of vascular disease.  The use of ultrasound and other technologies, such as plethysmography, have allowed these labs to grow and expand their capabilities.

Who Performs the Tests in the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory?

Tests are performed, in our laboratories, by certified technologists whose only responsibility is to perform these studies. These technologists have achieved the highly regarded status of RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) by completing extra courses and passing a very difficult examination.  They are certified by a national accrediting organization, ARDMS, whose standards are exceptionally high.  These personnel specialize in vascular disease limiting their focus to ultrasound examinations of the vascular system ONLY.  Therefore, since these technologists focus solely on diseases of the arteries and veins, their fund of knowledge regarding vascular disease is, both by training and experience, very comprehensive.

The Cardiovascular Care Group was one of the earliest groups to establish a noninvasive vascular laboratory in New Jersey.  Under the direction of Virginia Vyniski, RVT, the laboratory has established itself as one of the premier laboratories in Northern New Jersey.  Ms. Vyniski is Founder and Past-President of the Northern New Jersey Vascular Technology Association--an association dedicated to educating vascular technologists and ensuring high quality care in the Vascular Laboratories.  Ms. Vyniski has trained many of the Registered Vascular Technologists now running some of the major laboratories in the state of New Jersey! 

Vascular surgeons interpret all studies and the laboratory is under the directorship of a board certified vascular surgeon who is also a Registered Vascular Technologist.

What Tests are Performed in the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory?

The tests performed in the Laboratory include those to evaluate disease in the carotid arteries for stroke risk;circulation in the legs; abdominal aorta for aneurysm or causes of hypertension (high blood pressure). Evaluation of leg or arm veins for blood clots or swelling and for causes of varicose veins. Evaluation of hemodialysis access grafts and lower extremity bypass grafts are routinely performed in our laboratory.

How Accurate are the Tests Performed?

A rigorous quality assurance program mandated by the national accrediting body and put in place by The Group long before the accrediting bodies were established assures accuracy.  The results of the noninvasive studies are regularly compared to angiograms and findings at operation.

Where is the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory Located?

The laboratory is located within our offices at Belleville, Springfield and WESTFIELD.  Appointments can be scheduled directly with the laboratory or simultaneous consultation can be obtained with one of our board certified Vascular Surgeons.