MCS Services
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, or echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. It differs from an EKG in that an echo is a visual demonstration of the beating heart and the flow through its valves. An EKG is simply the tracing of the heart’s electrical current. You may need an echo to check on a heart murmur, for chest pain or shortness of breath, to follow up after a heart attack or heart surgery, or any number of other reasons. It is painless and takes 30-45 minutes.
VASCULAR ULTRASOUND looks at the veins and arteries throughout the body. We utilize 2D imaging and color flow Doppler to check for areas of narrowing, for blood clots or valvular insufficiency. These tests include:
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Carotid artery ultrasound looking for stenosis (narrowing) of the arteries feeding the brain.
- Leg Vein ultrasound either to look for blood clot (DVT) or to check for valvular insufficiency in patients with varicose veins.
- Leg artery ultrasound to check for circulation in the legs for patients with pain while walking or for diabetic patients.
- Aorta ultrasound to check for an aortic aneurysm.
OB/GYN ultrasounds are performed during all trimesters of pregnancy and for women who are not pregnant. Besides looking at the fetus to check on fetal age and to check for abnormalities, we look at the uterus and ovaries in non-pregnant women who are having pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or an enlarged uterus.
ABDOMINAL ultrasounds are performed on patients with abdominal pain, indigestion or other symptoms. We can visualize the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and aorta. These tests can be completed in 30 minutes, but require fasting 12 hours prior to the exam.
SMALL PARTS ultrasounds are performed of the testicles and thyroid gland in the neck, usually for pain or if a lump is felt. We can also scan lumps that are felt on another part of the body.
ULTRASCREEN VASCULAR SCREENING is a combination of three tests. You do not need a referral from your physician for these tests, but they are not covered under insurance. These tests can offer you peace of mind and let you know your risk level. They are painless and all three can be completed in less than an hour.
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CAROTID ARTERIES (that feed the brain). Check for plaque build up in the major arteries that feed the brain. Blockage in these important arteries can lead to stroke.
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ABDOMINAL AORTA (for aneurysm). Check for bulging (aneurysm) in the main artery that runs from the heart through the trunk of the body.
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PERIPHERAL ARTERIES (of the legs). Check for plaque build up in the leg arteries. Significant plaque in the legs can cause pain and weakness.
All three tests are available for $99 in total or $40 for each screening test. Gift certificates are available. ULTRASCREEN vascular screening is provided by Great Lakes Sonography, Inc.