Be Prepared . . .

The sonographer may ask about:

• Previous ultrasounds
• Previous vascular surgeries, including heart surgeries
• Other previous diagnostic tests
• Smoking history (number of years)
• Current symptoms
• Certain risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol)
• Previous strokes or mini-strokes
• Family history of vascular diseases
• Previously diagnosed conditions
• Injuries
• Previous blood clots

Test time will vary depending on what vessels your doctor has ordered to be examined. Exams may vary from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Please plan your time accordingly.

Before Your Test . . .

Male patients scheduled for a carotid doppler ultrasound need to have clean-shaven necks.

Arrive 30 minutes early to register at the outpatient desk.

During Your Test . . .

You will lie on your back with the area to be scanned exposed. Non-greasy gel will be applied to your skin to improve the contact between a hand-held device called a transducer and your skin. High frequency sound waves pass through the body from the transducer. The transducer is connected at the other end to a computer with a display screen. As the sonographer moves the transducer across your skin, sound waves pass through the body and are reflected by the blood vessels to create echoes. The computer changes these echoes into an image of the blood vessels. Blood flow within the vessel may be color-coded to show flow direction.

Doppler is used at different times during the test to check the direction and speed of the blood flowing through the blood vessels. You will hear the blood flow beating in time with your heart during this part of the test. Measurements and recordings taken of the blood flow during your test will be compared with normal values to determine the extent of any disease that is found.

Venous doppler exams require recording images of the blood flow in the veins while the sonographer squeezes the leg or arm to produce changes in the speed of the flow. If you are able, the sonographer may ask you to move a foot or make a fist to cause these changes.

After Your Test . . .

Before leaving, you may need to wait briefly while the images are being reviewed. Your can return to your normal routine right after the test.