RadiologyInfo.org
The Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology provide extensive information about vascular ultrasound.
Vascular Ultrasound
A noninvasive test for early signs of vascular disease
Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless test that looks for problems with your veins or arteries, including narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis), clots in blood vessels deep in the body (deep vein thrombosis), and bulges in an artery (aneurysm).
Overview
Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless test that looks for problems with your veins or arteries, including narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis), clots in blood vessels deep in the body (deep vein thrombosis), and bulges in an artery (aneurysm).
Checking Blood Flow with Ultrasound
During vascular ultrasound, a specially trained technologist uses special equipment and a wand (transducer) that is lightly pressed over parts of your body, usually your arms or legs, to produce sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the tissues in your body to create computer images. Your technologist applies a water-based gel to your skin to help the wand glide more easily.
One type of ultrasound is called Doppler. During Doppler ultrasound, you hear little noises. You’re not exposed to any radiation during ultrasound.
A radiologist reviews the technologist’s report and the images to decide if there’s a problem in your circulatory system that needs medical attention.
You may feel discomfort during vascular ultrasound if you have swelling or tenderness in an area being checked. Be sure to let your technologist know if an area is tender.
What To Expect
Checking Blood Flow with Ultrasound
During vascular ultrasound, a specially trained technologist uses special equipment and a wand (transducer) that is lightly pressed over parts of your body, usually your arms or legs, to produce sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the tissues in your body to create computer images. Your technologist applies a water-based gel to your skin to help the wand glide more easily.
One type of ultrasound is called Doppler. During Doppler ultrasound, you hear little noises. You’re not exposed to any radiation during ultrasound.
A radiologist reviews the technologist’s report and the images to decide if there’s a problem in your circulatory system that needs medical attention.
You may feel discomfort during vascular ultrasound if you have swelling or tenderness in an area being checked. Be sure to let your technologist know if an area is tender.
Preparing for Vascular Ultrasound
You usually don’t need to prepare for vascular ultrasound. In some cases, you may be asked to fast before the test. Your healthcare provider lets you know if that’s necessary.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Your technologist may ask you to remove jewelry before the test. We may ask you to wear a gown for the test.
Preparing For...
Preparing for Vascular Ultrasound
You usually don’t need to prepare for vascular ultrasound. In some cases, you may be asked to fast before the test. Your healthcare provider lets you know if that’s necessary.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Your technologist may ask you to remove jewelry before the test. We may ask you to wear a gown for the test.
After Your Test
You can go back to normal activities after vascular ultrasound. The technologist will tell you when to expect to hear from your healthcare provider about the results.
After Your Procedure
After Your Test
You can go back to normal activities after vascular ultrasound. The technologist will tell you when to expect to hear from your healthcare provider about the results.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Be sure to write down in advance the questions you want to ask your provider so you don’t forget them at your appointment.
- How long will the test take?
- Do I need to fast or prepare in any other way?
- When will I get the results of the test?
- Will you call me, or do I need to come in for a visit to get the results?
Questions To Ask Your Provider
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Be sure to write down in advance the questions you want to ask your provider so you don’t forget them at your appointment.
- How long will the test take?
- Do I need to fast or prepare in any other way?
- When will I get the results of the test?
- Will you call me, or do I need to come in for a visit to get the results?
Resources
RadiologyInfo.org
The Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology provide extensive information about vascular ultrasound.