Ultrasound Core Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Research

The University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program (UW AIRP) is an ultrasound core laboratory for clinical and epidemiological research studies that use ultrasound, electrocardiographic, exercise, and other physiologic research tools to quantify atherosclerosis, arterial injury, and cardiovascular disease risk.

photo of Bucky Badger standing on a treadmill in the AIRP

Capabilities

  • Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and grayscale analysis
  • Carotid artery plaque detection and quantification
  • Brachial artery reactivity testing of endothelial function and grayscale analysis
  • Arterial stiffness by tonometry and carotid ultrasound
  • Assessment of cardiac structure, function, and coronary blood flow (by echocardiography)
  • Exercise stress testing with electrocardiography, echocardiography, and metabolic measures
  • 12-lead electrocardiography
  • Heart rate variability

We also can perform ambulatory electrocardiography/12-lead Holter monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and coronary artery calcium scoring using cardiac computed tomography.

The UW AIRP is the Carotid Ultrasound Reading Center for the NHLBI Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the Fragile Families Cardiovascular Health Follow Up Study, the NuMOM2b Heart Health Study, and several other NIH-funded research studies. We also are the BART Reading Center for the NHLBI HIV-CVD Collaborative and several other studies.

Image

Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Fellowship

Interested in arterial imaging and preventive cardiology training? Learn more about our T32-funded Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Fellowship.

Research Team

Associate Director

Associate Lab Manager

Research and Quality Assurance Coordinator