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Non-Invasive Vascular Lab sign at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute
Vascular lab

The vein ultrasound behind every plan

FCCI's accredited Non-Invasive Vascular Lab is the only lab in Jacksonville solely dedicated to vascular testing. It is where your vein care starts.

Two doctors reviewing a digital tablet in a medical office

Why ultrasound comes first

You cannot see a broken vein valve from the outside. Ultrasound can. It shows the direction blood flows in each vein and which segments are abnormal or blocked. That map tells your doctor what to treat, so you are not guessing.

FCCI's lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in vascular testing, and exams are done by registered vascular technologists.

Vein tests we do

  • Venous duplex. Checks for deep vein clots (DVT). Used for leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, shortness of breath or a suspected clot. About 30 minutes.
  • Venous insufficiency exam. Checks valve function and finds the vein segments that are not working. May include both legs. About 1 hour.
  • Vein mapping. Creates a map of your leg veins before a procedure, and finds healthy segments for bypass grafts. About 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Why DVT matters

Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep leg vein. FCCI notes it happens in over 900,000 cases in the U.S. each year and can cause a fatal pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lung.

Risk goes up with a past clot or clotting disorder, trauma, recent major surgery, cancer, blood diseases, being immobile and obesity. If your leg suddenly swells and hurts, call your doctor. If you also have chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

How to prepare

Most vein ultrasounds need no special prep. Wear loose clothes. Some artery tests ask you to skip food, drinks, tobacco and caffeine for 7 hours, so check the instructions you are given when you book.

Talk with a specialist.

New patients are welcome. Call 904.493.3333, Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm, or request a visit online.

FAQ

Quick answers

Still unsure? Call 904.493.3333

Is the vascular lab accredited?

Yes, by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in vascular testing.

How long does a venous insufficiency exam take?

About 1 hour.

Do I need to fast for a vein ultrasound?

Usually not. Follow the instructions given when you book.

Ready when you are.

New patients are welcome. Call 904.493.3333, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or request an appointment online. If you have chest pain or stroke signs, call 911.