Laboratory Services

Nashoba Valley Medical Center Laboratory professionals play a vital role in supporting quality healthcare.  The Laboratory provides a wide range of valuable services such as blood banking and microbiology to include a complete range of organism identification and susceptibility testing. Our Microbiology Department offers a broad selection of tests designed for rapid identification of the causative agents of infectious diseases and prompt reporting of results.  The Hematology Department offers state of the art coagulation and hematology technicians available to assist clients with questions regarding appropriate testing, specimen requirements and interpretation of results.
 
Our dedication to provide quality testing by providing a wide range of valuable services to include highly recognized reference testing laboratories.  Our laboratory provides well trained technical and support service staff available seven days a week, twenty four hours a day to assist our nursing, physician and patient population. Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For weekend hours, call ahead.

Diagnostic Imaging Services (Radiology)

Scheduling number (978) 784-9271

Our Diagnostic Imaging Department includes recently updated imaging suites within a sophisticated and comprehensive facility featuring all new digital, state-of-the-art imaging technology, including general radiography, nuclear medicine, CT scanning, digital fluoroscopy, angiography, MRI, general ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, digital mammography and bone densitometry (please see women's imaging for additional information). For more information about imaging, visit Radiology Info's website.

Our services include:

Digital Angiography
Angiography is an interventional x-ray procedure that takes pictures of your blood vessels.  It is usually done be inserting a catheter into an artery or vein in your groin.  The catheter is small, flexible and hollow.  The radiologist carefully guides this catheter into the vessel and maneuvers it into place using x-rays, while viewing the images on a video monitor.  Once the catheter is in place x-ray contrast is injected to clearly see the vessels for abnormalities.

CT Scanner with Spiral Capability Computed Tomography (CT) CT (computed tomography) or commonly known as "CAT scans," is a diagnostic imaging test that used a combination of x-rays and computer technology to create images. A series of x-ray beams from many different angles are used to create a cross sectional image of the body part being scanned. Spiral scanning is a constant x-ray beam obtained while the table is moving and is used to acquire a larger area of data with no interruptions. This is extremely useful to view blood vessels with the use of intra-venous x-ray contrast.
For more information: What You Need to Know About Your CT Scan

Nuclear Medicine (SPECT)
Unlike conventional x-ray examinations, Nuclear Medicine uses a radioactive material that is usually injected into the patient's body and is the detected by a "gamma camera".  Most radioactive materials are eliminated from your body rapidly.  Nuclear scans in general look more at organ function than anatomy and therefore compliment other areas of Diagnostic Imaging.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses very high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the internal structures of the body.  NVMC ultrasound department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular Ultrasound is an exam that looks at the blood vessels to see whether there are any areas of dilation, narrowing or blockage.  The vessels most frequently looked at are in the neck, arms and legs, including arteries and/or veins as well as assessment of bypass grafts.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or commonly known, as MRI is a diagnostic procedure that produces images of the body without the use of x-rays.  The images are created using a magnet, radio waves and a computer system.  Our equipment is a start-of-the-art Philips 1.5 tesla, short bore magnet that creates sharp, precise images that is used as a diagnostic tool for the physicians planning the medical treatment for their patients. NVMC's MRI department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Physicians will find the equipment to be the best in the area and the most advanced magnet technology available with better quality images. Due to the large openings at either end of the unit, patients will find it more comfortable and faster. The technologists are experienced and friendly, and scans are read by board certified radiologists.

With the recent increase in appointment times, patients in the Nashoba Valley community can receive state-of-the-art scans close to home on a same day or next day basis pending insurance approval. MRI appointments are available six days per week, Monday through Saturday with early and late appointment options. Call scheduling for an appointment, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm at 978-784-9400.