A doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person shows signs of reduced blood flow to the arms, neck, or legs. Typically, a healthcare provider recommends a Doppler ultrasound if a person shows signs or symptoms of certain conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease.
This occurs when fatty deposits collect in arteries, restricting blood flow. In other cases, a doctor may order a Doppler ultrasound if a person has symptoms of a heart condition, such as:. Also, if a fetus is smaller than expected, a Doppler ultrasound can look for any irregularities in blood flow. However, if they smoke, the doctor may ask them to refrain from smoking for a few hours prior to the procedure. Smoking can narrow blood vessels, which can skew the readings.
The Doppler ultrasound is a painless, risk free, and noninvasive procedure. Before the ultrasound, a person may need to remove clothing or jewelry on the part of the body being scanned, often the arms or legs. They will then lie on a bed or exam table. The technician performing the ultrasound may apply blood pressure cuffs around areas such as the calves, ankles, or thighs to measure the pressure in different parts of the arms or legs.
They then apply lubricant to a handheld instrument called a transducer, which they move over the skin to create an image of the blood flow beneath. The whole procedure typically lasts about 30—45 minutes , and a person can usually leave immediately afterward.
Normal results indicate that the images show no issues such as blockages or narrowing of blood vessels. The technician will not discuss the results with the person.
They will send the results to the doctor, who will answer any questions. If the technician has discovered an irregularity, the doctor will discuss the next steps. Can show if you have any blocked arteries in your neck, arms and legs. Can show if you have any blood clots in the veins in your legs. Can show the amount and speed of blood flow in your veins and arteries. Can be used instead of some more invasive procedures. Risks of a Doppler ultrasound There are no known risks. Preparation Bring your referral letter or request form and all X-rays taken within the last 2 years with you.
Leave the X-rays with the radiology staff, as the doctor may need to look at them. The radiology staff will tell you when these are ready to be picked up. Leave all jewellery and valuables at home. Before coming in for the Doppler ultrasound You may be asked not to smoke before the Doppler ultrasound.
Just before the Doppler ultrasound You may be given a gown to wear. You may be asked to remove any metal objects. Tell your doctor before the procedure If you have diabetes. What happens during a Doppler ultrasound You will be asked to lie on a table, usually on your side or on your back.
Consent You have the right to refuse an examination and may do so if you wish. When will I get the results? After a Doppler ultrasound You will be able to go soon after the Doppler ultrasound is finished and can continue with normal activities. Costs of a Doppler ultrasound For an Australian patient in a public hospital in Western Australia: public patient — no cost to you unless advised otherwise private patient — costs can be claimed through Medicare and your health insurance provider For a patient in a private hospital or private imaging site in Western Australia — ask your doctor or the staff where you are having your test done.
Where to get help See your doctor Visit healthdirect external site or call Acknowledgements Diagnostic Imaging Pathways external site. A Doppler ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to show blood moving through blood vessels. A regular ultrasound also uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body, but it can't show blood flow.
Doppler ultrasound works by measuring sound waves that are reflected from moving objects, such as red blood cells. This is known as the Doppler effect. Doppler ultrasound tests are used to help health care providers find out if you have a condition that is reducing or blocking your blood flow. It may also be used to help diagnose certain heart diseases.
The test is most often used to:. You may need a Doppler ultrasound if you have symptoms of reduced blood flow or a heart disease. Symptoms vary depending on the condition causing the problem.
Some common blood flow conditions and symptoms are below. There are no known risks to having a Doppler ultrasound. It is also considered safe during pregnancy. The meaning of your results will depend what area of the body was being tested. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Doppler Ultrasound. What is a Doppler ultrasound? There are different types of Doppler ultrasound tests.
They include: Color Doppler. This type of Doppler uses a computer to change sound waves into different colors. These colors show the speed and direction of blood flow in real time. Power Doppler , a newer type of color Doppler. It can provide more detail of blood flow than standard color Doppler.
But it cannot show the direction of blood flow, which can be important in some cases. Spectral Doppler. This test shows blood flow information on a graph, rather than color pictures. It can help show how much of a blood vessel is blocked. Duplex Doppler. This test uses standard ultrasound to take images of blood vessels and organs.
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