The Accredited Vascular Lab

The Bend Memorial Clinic Vascular Laboratory, as of July 22, 2005, has attained recognition for its commitment to providing a high level of patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of vascular disease. The facility achieved accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).

Bend Memorial Clinic Vascular Laboratory is one of a select number of vascular laboratories in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico to meet or exceed the ICAVL standard for noninvasive vascular testing. Participation in the accreditation process demonstrates the laboratory’s attention to a high level of patient care and quality testing.

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 and accurate. The improvement in ultrasound technology has brought the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory to the forefront in the diagnosis of vascular disease. Tests are performed, in our laboratories, by ARDMS registered 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.

Our surgeons interpret all studies and the laboratory is under the directorship of vascular surgeon, Dr. Joseph Colella. 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 arterial bypass grafts are routinely performed in our laboratory.

Patients may also schedule a vascular screening to check for potential problems. Screenings are offered for stroke (carotid artery), aortic aneurysm and leg pain. The screening results will be immediately available with a profile sent to the patient’s primary care physician.

To schedule a screening, please call 541-382-2811.