Vascular lab examinations
The vascular laboratory service is mostly for users with suspected arterial disease (obstruction, embolism or aneurism) or venous disease (reflux or thrombosis). The laboratory assesses vascular pathologies (excluding the heart) using non-invasive methods, namely, plethysmography and Doppler ultrasound.
These techniques are used to examine the arteries, veins and blood flow disorders. They are safe, painless, and do not require needles, iodine, radiation or anesthesia.
Before booking your appointment
A medical referral is required.
Anyone requiring a vascular lab examination must first obtain a referral from a treating physician or vascular surgeon. Requests for consultation with a vascular surgeon must be sent by fax or submitted in person to the department.
To book your appointment, you must have on hand:
- Your medical referral;
- Your hospital card;
- Your valid Québec health insurance card (an invalid card may incur delays and charges or cancellation of your appointment);
- Pen and paper to take notes.
Where to book your appointment
Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme
Contact information
Information and appointments
Your examination request needs to be sent by:
- Telephone: 450-432-2777, ext. 22418, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Fax: 450-431-8303
What you need to know:
- You must register at the Radiology departement’s front desk.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
How to prepare for the examination
Before coming to your appointment, make sure to have on hand all the documents you must present for your examination:
- Your original medical referral (not a copy);
- Your valid health insurance card (an invalid insurance card may incur delays and charges or cancellation of your appointment);
- Your hospital card;
- A bag for your clothes and personal effects.
Wear comfortable clothing.
If you are having an abdominal Doppler ultrasound and you are not diabetic: you must fast as of midnight (do not chew gum or smoke, but take your medication with a sip of water).
If you are diabetic, follow your usual routine (do not fast).
The steps in the examination
Doppler ultrasound
The specialized technologist will manipulate the probe to get the best diagnostic images possible in order to get a good view of the blood vessels and validate if they are dilated or obstructed. To do this, the technologist will move the probe covered with a hypoallergenic gel over the area to be examined.
This examination allows for visualization of the walls and the interior of a specific vessel, and establishes the direction and speed of the blood flow in order to determine if there is an obstruction.
You will not feel anything during the examination.
Plethysmography
This examination involves taking the blood pressure at different levels on your arms and legs (the same way blood pressure is taken on your arm). This makes it possible to assess blood circulation, locate any blockage and assess its severity.
Duration of the examination: 30 to 60 minutes.
You will not feel anything during this examination.
Examination results
You will not receive any results directly after your examination. The surgeon will assess the technologist’s images and issue a report describing the findings from the images. The report will then be sent to your physician, who will communicate the results to you.