The FirstHealth Vascular Radiology Lab provides diagnostic tests for blood vessel problems outside the heart. The two most common tests are both non-invasive:

• Doppler Ultrasound – This test detects atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits) in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. Screening with the Doppler ultrasound can indicate the need for stroke-prevention surgery.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography - This procedure is used to detect areas of atherosclerosis in the legs, kidneys and abdomen. In most cases, this non-invasive test can take the place of traditional angiography, which involves injecting an X-ray-sensitive dye into the blood.