Carotid Duplex
A carotid duplex is an ultrasound exam that evaluates the carotid arteries, located on both sides of the neck. These arteries may narrow or become blocked leading to a possible cerebral vascular accident (stroke).
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. The technician applies a gel-like substance on your skin around the neck with a hand-held device.
The left and right carotid arteries are identified and measurements are taken of the speed of blood flow through each carotid artery.
How to prepare for the test
Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar. Don’t wear a necklace or dangling earrings.
The test is painless. You may feel some light pressure as the ultrasound probe is moved along your neck.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Ankle – Brachial Index (ABI)
An ABI is a test that is performed to check for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the arteries in your legs or arms become narrowed or blocked. These blockages can affect circulation, causing pain and/or numbness. An ABI may also be performed to see how well a treatment, such as angioplasty or surgery, is working.
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. A blood pressure cuff is applied to each of the arms and ankles and a pressure is recorded at each cuffed extremity. A difference in the pressures could indicate a narrowed or blocked artery.
How to prepare for the test
No preparation is necessary. Wear comfortable clothes.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. Blood pressures will be obtained at both arms and ankles. An ABI is is similar to getting your blood pressure taken at a routine visit to your doctor.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Upper and Lower Extremity Arterial Duplex
A peripheral arterial duplex exam is an ultrasound test that visualizes the arteries in the arms or legs. A lower extremity arterial exam will typically include an Ankle-Brachial Index test (ABI- add link), which checks the blood pressure in your arms and legs. The arterial duplex test shows whether the arteries are narrow or have become blocked, which can result in limb pain upon exertion.
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. A technician applies a water-based gel to your skin with an ultrasound transducer or probe. The arteries are identified and a measurement is taken of the speed of blood flow through each artery.
How to prepare for the test
No preparation is necessary. Wear comfortable clothes.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. However, you may feel some light pressure as the probe is moved along your arms or legs and you may also hear a “whooshing” sound. This sound is the blood as it is moving through the arteries.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the body and is the vessel responsible for carrying blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition in which the lining of the blood vessel becomes enlarged. Abdominal aortic aneurysms pose a threat because they are usually silent until a medical emergency.
Since there are often no definable symptoms for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, your provider may think it is a good idea for you to have a screening exam.
Risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm include
• Age (more common in people older than 65)
• Gender (more common in men than women)
• Family history of AAA
• History of tobacco use
How to prepare for the test
• Wear a comfortable 2 piece outfit
• Fast for at least 4 hours prior to your exam. This reduces or eliminates bowel gas that may be obstructive to your exam. If you are diabetic and uncomfortable fasting, please limit yourself to a light meal
• Take your current medications as prescribed
How the test will feel
An abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound that requires you to lie on your back while a technologist takes images and measurements of your abdominal aorta.
How long the test will take to complete
This exam takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
Abdominal Aortic Duplex
Abdominal aortic duplex is an ultrasound test that shows the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries. The aorta is the main artery in your abdomen. The common iliac arteries supply blood flow from your aorta to your legs. These arteries may become aneurysmal (dilated) without any symptoms present. They may also become narrowed or obstructed causing lower extremity pain.
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. The technician applies a gel-like substance on your skin with a hand-held device. Images are evaluated to determine if there is any dilatation or weakness in the artery wall.
How to prepare for the test
Do not eat or drink anything starting after midnight the night before your examination. Please take any and all medications as you normally would (with a small sip of water). Patients with diabetes may eat enough to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level. Following these instructions helps to limit bowel gas that is obstructive to your ultrasound exam.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. You may feel some light pressure as the probe is moved over the abdominal area.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Renal Artery Duplex
Renal artery duplex is a test that shows the renal arteries, which are the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. These arteries may narrow or become blocked and this can result in kidney failure and/or high blood pressure.
How the test is performed
During the test you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. The technician applies a water-based gel on your skin around the abdomen and takes pictures with a hand-held device. The renal arteries are identified and a measurement is taken of the speed of blood flow through each renal artery.
How to prepare for the test
Do not eat or drink anything starting after midnight the night before your examination. Please take any and all medications as you normally would (with a small sip of water). Patients with diabetes may eat enough to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level. Following these instructions helps to limit bowel gas that is obstructive to your ultrasound exam.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. You may feel some light pressure as the probe is moved along your abdominal area and you may also hear a “whooshing” sound. This sound is the blood as it is moving through the renal arteries. The pressure should not cause any pain.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Venous Reflux Exam
A venous reflux exam is a comprehensive evaluation of the veins in the legs. The purpose of this exam is to evaluate your vein’s valves for competency (their ability to close so blood flows through the veins properly). Symptoms that may be associated with incompetent or “leaky” valves are leg pain, heaviness, edema and painful varicosities (swollen, enlarged or twisted veins).
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. For evaluation of venous reflux in the legs, the bed may be tilted, allowing the legs to be in a dependent position, about 15-20 degrees lower than the level of the heart. You may also be asked to stand for some parts of the test. The technician applies a gel-like substance to your skin with a hand-held device. While the ultrasound images are being recorded, you may also feel some light pressure on the calves or be asked to “bear down.” This allows the technician to assess how well the blood is flowing and whether there is any blood flow reversing through the valves in your legs.
How to prepare for the test
No preparation necessary. Wear comfortable clothes.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. You may feel some light pressure as the probe is moved over the legs and an occasional squeeze of the calf to augment blood flow.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Upper and Lower Extremity Venous Duplex Exams
A peripheral venous duplex is an ultrasound exam that shows the veins of the arms or legs. These veins help supply blood back to your heart and lungs. Under certain circumstances deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots can develop and lead to an emergent situation such as pulmonary embolism. Symptoms may include a painful, swollen limb that may be associated with redness or warmth.
How the test is performed
During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with a pillow to support your head. The technician applies a water-based gel on your skin with a hand-held device. The veins are then evaluated for blood flow.
How to prepare for the test
No preparation necessary. Wear comfortable clothes.
How the test will feel
The test is painless. However, you may feel some light pressure as the probe is moved over the legs and an occasional squeeze of the calf to help augment blood flow.
How long the test will take to complete
From start to finish, the test itself can take about 30-45 minutes to complete.