NCV Test

If you are experiencing tingling, numbness or muscle weakness, WakeMed offers a diagnostic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test that can give your doctor valuable information.

An NCV test is an electrical test that measures the speed of nerve impulse. Performed as an outpatient procedure in WakeMed’s state-of-the-art neurodiagnostic lab, an NCV test is an excellent diagnostic tool used to confirm or rule out diseases or conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, myasthenia gravis, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, polio and herniated disk.

At WakeMed, our neurodiagnostic experts provide superior clinical care to identify the impact of neurological disorders.

What to Expect from an NCV Test

During a nerve conduction velocity test, our technologist will tape electrodes at various locations on the patient’s skin.

Using a series of mild electrical impulses, the technologist measures the speed and strength between electrodes. This is called the speed of impulse transmission, or the nerve conduction velocity. Often, this test is performed in conjunction with an electromyography (EMG) test.

Generally, the test takes under 30 minutes. It’s not painful, but some patients report that it can be uncomfortable.

How to Find Us

Our testing is performed in our three WakeMed Neurodiagnostic Labs.

• Raleigh Campus, which is located on the 1^st floor of the Medical Office Building
• Cary Hospital, 1900 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27518, located in the Cardiopulmonary testing area

More Information and Referrals

We welcome new patients. If you’d like to receive more information about NCV testing at WakeMed, please call us at 919-350-3734. If you are a physician referring a patient, please call us at 919-350-7000.

Raleigh

1. At Outpatient Registration, turn right and follow the hall to the first intersection.
2. Turn right and walk towards Mental Health and Well-Being.
3. Look to the left for the elevators, and at the end of the elevator hallway, you will locate the “Neurodiagnostics” door sign.

Cary

1. At Outpatient Registration, veer to the left towards Same Day Surgery. Continue left and follow the hall to the first intersection.
2. Turn right and walk towards the Cardiopulmonary department.
3. Neurodiagnostics is located in the Cardiopulmonary testing area.