Microvascular measurement involves special tests that provide information about a patient’s small blood vessels and blood flow through them. Patients are referred to us by consultants who use the results of the tests to diagnose a wide range of conditions.
What we do in microvascular measurement
Our imaging centre is one of a handful of specialised clinical microvascular measurement facilities in the UK.
We carry out a range of tests to assess the condition of blood vessels, and how well the blood is flowing through those vessels.
Most of our work involves using light and making images of the skin to assess the patient’s microcirculation.
After your assessment a report will be sent to your hospital consultant. You will usually be given the results at your next outpatient appointment.
The tests are very important to help consultants properly diagnose a range of conditions including Raynaud’s phenomenon and rheumatic conditions. We also study patients who have medical problems associated with their immune system, skin, nerves, muscles, endocrine glands and diabetes.
Tests we carry out
Patients come to us for tests which include:
- Non-contact ‘capillaroscopy’ studies, using special cameras to take images of the small blood vessels.
- Thermography studies, which produce thermal images of areas of the body.
- ‘Cold challenge’ studies where we assess the thermal response to mild cold challenges to the skin.
More information
How to find us
The Microvascular Measurement Service is based within the Nuclear Medicine unit at Freeman Hospital, located alongside the new renal and cancer services centre to the rear of the Freeman Hospital. You will be sent a site map with your appointment letter.
Your appointment letter will also provide information on travel to the hospital and you will also receive information on car parking.
Booking patient transport
If you are eligible for patient transport, your booking will be made to us either by your GP, hospital staff or a dedicated call centre.
The number you need to call to book Patient Transport depends on where you live.
- Patients in Newcastle and Northumberland should contact our PTS Contact Centre on 0191 2151515.
- Patients in Teesside and Darlington need to book transport by telephoning Transport Information Service on 01642 263122.
- Patients in the Durham Dales and East Durham need to telephone Travel Response Centre on 03000 269 999.
- Patients in North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Gateshead need to telephone ERS Medical on 0191 3017687.
- Patients in North Durham should either contact their GP or Travel Response Centre, this is dependent on the GP surgery.
- Patients in Sunderland either contact their GP or ERS to make bookings, this is dependent on the GP surgery.
Contact information
Service: Microvascular Services
Name: Audrey Macdonald (Service Lead)
Telephone: 0191 2138199
