Stateline is accredited in the areas of adult echocardiography and vascular testing through the intersocietal accreditation commission (IAC). It is the seal of approval that this facility has demonstrated a commitment to quality and adheres to nationally established standards. It keeps true to our mission of providing prompt, state-of-the-art care at a fraction of the cost of hospital systems. The services have recently expanded to offer general ultrasound imaging.
Imaging:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive ultrasound that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. It can help diagnose heart conditions like heart failure, valve problems, and congenital heart disease. A sonographer places a hand-held wand (called a transducer) on the outside of your chest to send sound waves to your heart. These sound waves bounce off the different parts of your heart creating echoes, which then appear as pictures on the sonographer's computer screen. A small amount of gel on the end of the wand, which helps produce clearer pictures and won't hurt your skin. These images are saved for your cardiologist and physician to review later. Providers often combine echo with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow across your heart’s valves. Echocardiography uses no radiation. Occasionally you may need an enhancing agent injected through an intravenous (IV) line during the study to improve image quality.
Stress Echocardiography (ECHO)
An exercise stress echo, sometimes simply called a stress echo, shows how your heart works when it’s stressed. The test resembles a treadmill exercise stress test, but with the additional use of echo imaging simultaneously. This test shows how well your heart can withstand activity. Your sonographer takes pictures before you start exercising and then right after you’re done.
Venous Ultrasound
A venous Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to examine blood flow in the veins of the legs and arms. It can help identify blood clots, varicose and leaky veins, blockages and other issues that affect blood circulation. A sonographer uses a small handheld device called a transducer over the veins. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the veins. The sound waves bounce off red blood cells in your blood vessels. The transducer picks up the returning sound waves, called echoes. A computer analyzes the echoes to create images or graphs that show blood flow.
Carotid Ultrasound
A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can help detect blockages or other abnormalities that could lead to stroke. A sonographer uses a small handheld device called a transducer to send sound waves into the neck. The transducer records the sound waves that bounce off blood cells, tissues, and organs. A computer translates the sound waves into images on a monitor.
Arterial Ultrasound
An arterial Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to assess blood flow in your arteries. It is used to detect, monitor or exclude PAD. It is often preformed after an abnormal ABI. It can help identify blockages, blood clots, and other conditions that affect your arteries. A sonographer uses a small handheld device called a transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into the arteries. The sound waves bounce off red blood cells in your blood vessels. The transducer picks up the returning sound waves, called echoes. A computer analyzes the echoes to create images or graphs that show blood flow.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound
An abdominal aortic ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the aorta in the belly. These images can help evaluate the size of the aorta and to determine if it is enlarged. Enlarged aortas can lead to what is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a condition in which the walls of the aneurysm are so weak that they eventually rupture and cause potentially life-threatening bleeding into the abdomen.
Common reasons for this test are
- Screening in high-risk patients such as smokers, those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of aneurysms or personal history of aneurysms at other sites.
- Patients in whom a pulsatile mass is felt or a bruit is heard on physical exam
- To monitor change in size of a known abdominal aortic aneurysm.
You will NOT be able to eat anything 5 hours prior to the exam. This will allow your bowel gases to subside and to allow for clearer ultrasound results.
Ultrasound Technicians:
Pam LaPrade, RVS, RCS
Kristen Apple, RDMS(AB), RVT, RT(R)
Kristen Apple, RDMS(AB), RVT, RT(R)
A Martinsville native, Pam LaPrade brings over 30 years of diverse experience to the medical field, specializing in cardiology since 2002 with a focus on stress testing and imaging. She earned her Registered Vascular Specialist certification in 2012 and her Registered Cardiac Sonographer certification in 2013. Prior to joining Stateline
A Martinsville native, Pam LaPrade brings over 30 years of diverse experience to the medical field, specializing in cardiology since 2002 with a focus on stress testing and imaging. She earned her Registered Vascular Specialist certification in 2012 and her Registered Cardiac Sonographer certification in 2013. Prior to joining Stateline Health in 2017, Pam served as the technical director for the vascular and echocardiography labs at UNC Health in Eden, NC. Outside of work, Pam enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children. She is passionate about the outdoors and is actively involved in supporting youth activities through her church and local schools.
Kristen Apple, RDMS(AB), RVT, RT(R)
Kristen Apple, RDMS(AB), RVT, RT(R)
Kristen Apple, RDMS(AB), RVT, RT(R)
A native of Reidsville, NC, Kristen Apple graduated from Magna Vista High School before completing the Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs at SOVAH Danville. Kristen began her career as a vascular and general ultrasound sonographer at Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville, NC, before joining Stateline Health in 2
A native of Reidsville, NC, Kristen Apple graduated from Magna Vista High School before completing the Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs at SOVAH Danville. Kristen began her career as a vascular and general ultrasound sonographer at Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville, NC, before joining Stateline Health in 2024, continuing in the same role. Outside of her professional life, Kristen enjoys spending quality time with her family and embraces the outdoors. She has a deep passion for horseback riding, camping, and hunting.