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Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler) Scan

What is a Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler) Scan?

Unlike regular Ultrasound, this is a specialist scan that assesses the blood vessels in the body, such as arteries and veins. The test uses ‘Doppler’ ultrasound combined with conventional Bmode (grey scale) ultrasound. Bmode is the picture image that most people associate with regular ultrasound. By working together the ‘Colour Doppler’ maps the filling of the vessels and shows the direction and pattern of blood flow, whilst the ’Spectral Doppler’ measures the speed of the flow. The results give a detailed and accurate diagnosis of the extent and cause of any abnormalities, blockages or narrowing in the vessels.

Vascular ultrasound tests can be carried out on all the major blood vessels of the body as an out-patient investigation in our Radiology Department. Having an ultrasound scan is safe, painless and does not involve the use of any needles. Scans normally take between 30 mins to 1 hour and you can return to your normal routine following the scan.

Why would I be referred for a Vascular Ultrasound?

The most common blood vessels examined and some of the associated symptoms and conditions are listed below:

Carotid Arteries (Neck)

For suspected strokes, transient ishemic attacks (TIA)

Lower Limb Arteries (Leg)

For claudication, ulceration, rest pain

Lower Limb Veins (Leg)

For varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), leg ulcers/swelling

Aorta (Abdomen)

For abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Upper Limb Arteries & Veins (Arm)

For swollen arms, fistulas, thoracic outlet syndrome

Coming to Bupa Cromwell Hospital for a Vascular Ultrasound?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to register at Main Reception. For further information on registering please go to Out-patient information.

What preparation is required for the procedure?

Fasting is required for imaging of the abdominal arteries. Therefore, if you are having a vascular ultrasound of the Aorta or a Lower Limb (Leg) arterial scan, please do not eat anything for 4 hours before the exam. (If you are having a lower limb/leg vein scan there is no need to starve). This is very important so that the abdominal vessels can be clearly seen. If you need to fast but have medication to take during your 4 hour fast this can be taken with a little water.

Before the scan appropriate clothing will need to be removed to allow examination of arms and legs. There are changing and restroom facilities and lockers in our Radiology Department.

Who performs your Vascular Ultrasound Scan?

A Vascular Scientist, who is a Specialist, trained and qualified to perform, interpret, and report your vascular ultrasound investigation will perform your scan. The vascular ultrasound service at Bupa Cromwell Hospital is provided by a specialist team of vascular scientists managed by Kate Sommerville and Elaine Young.

What is involved?

A non-greasy gel will be placed on the skin and the probe (transducer); the gel allows the ultrasound waves to pass from the machine into body tissue.The probe is then placed on the skin and using light pressure is moved over the area to be examined.

Getting your results

Following the scan the vascular scientist will interpret the images and produce a report. A copy of the report will be sent to the referrer (normally your GP and/or Consultant), who will discuss the results with you, and any necessary management/treatment plan. Depending on the results you may be referred an appropriate specialist Vascular Surgeon.

If you have any further questions regarding having a Vascular Ultrasound at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, please use the contact details on the top right hand side of this page.