Vascular Ultrasound
Ultrasound (sonography) is a medical imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image. Sound waves are safe and do not contain harmful radiation. Sonography is divided into several specialties including obstetrics, gynecology, abdomen, echocardiography (heart imaging), musculoskeletal and vascular.
Vascular ultrasound is the specialty that interrogates the arteries and veins of the body. Combining ultrasound imaging with Doppler ultrasound technologies allows the vascular technologist to evaluate and record blood flow characteristics dynamically in real time.
What is a vascular sonographer?
A vascular sonographer or technologist performs non-invasive diagnostic examinations of the arteries and veins of the body. It is important that your sonographer is credentialed. A sonographer can be credentialed through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A credentialed sonographer satisfies certain educational standards within the profession and they have passed exams to test their knowledge and competency.
Facts to Know About Vascular Laboratory Diagnostic Studies
A vascular laboratory diagnostic study should be:
- Performed in a facility in which the laboratory is accredited in vascular technology. Appropriate vascular laboratory accreditation may be earned through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission or the American College of Radiology.
- Performed by a technologist who is credentialed in vascular technology. Appropriate certification includes the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), the Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) or Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS).
- Interpreted by a physician who is competent in diagnostic vascular studies or under the supervision of physicians who have demonstrated competency by being credentialed in vascular technology. An appropriate credential for a physician is the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI).
