Vascular Ultrasound Scans

What is a Vascular Ultrasound Scan?

The examination is an ultrasound scan in which special attention is paid to the blood vessels. The scan is sometimes called a ‘duplex ultrasound’ or ‘Doppler ultrasound scan’. The vessels most commonly examined are the arteries or veins in the neck, arm leg or abdomen.

How do I prepare for the test?

There is no special preparation required. You should come as you are and eat or drink as you normally do. If you take medications, you should continue to take them as normal unless your doctor specifies otherwise.

How much time the test will take?

The test will last 30 minutes but expect to be at London Heart Centre for 45 minutes.

What happens during the test?

During the ultrasound scan you will either lie or sit on a couch, or stand on the floor. The room will be partially darkened to enable the person performing the scan to see the monitor. You will be asked to partially undress to allow the area of interest to be scanned. A clear, water-soluble gel is put on the skin and an ultrasound probe is slid over the skin of the area to be examined. The instrument causes no pain. You may be asked to change position during the scan.

What are the risks from the test?

There are no risks from the test.

What happens after the test?

The ultrasound recordings will be submitted to our Vascular Surgeon who is a specially-trained surgeon in reading these recordings. He or she will interpret the recordings and will then provide your physician with a written report. The Vascular technician will not provide you with any results at the time of the test.