Vascular Ultrasound

What is Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular Ultrasound is a painless test that is done to see if you have blood flow problems or clots in your blood vessels. It uses harmless sound waves to take pictures of the arteries and veins in your body. The pictures are taken by passing a device (transducer) over certain areas of your body.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. There are no known risks or complications that arise from having an ultrasound.

What happens before the procedure?

  • If the ultrasound scan involves your upper abdomen, you may be told not to eat or chew gum the morning of your exam. Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
  • Do not smoke or use nicotine products at least 30 minutes before the exam.
  • During the test, a gel will be applied to your skin.

What happens during the procedure?

  • A gel will be applied to your skin. It may feel cool.
  • The transducer will be placed on the area to be examined.
  • Pictures will be taken. They will be displayed on one or more monitors that look like small television screens.

What happens after the procedure?

  • You can safely drive home immediately after your exam.
  • You may resume your normal diet and activities.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
  • It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
    • When will my results be ready?
    • How will I get my results?
    • What are my treatment options?
    • What other tests do I need?
    • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • A vascular ultrasound is a painless test that is done to see if you have blood flow problems or clots in your blood vessels. It uses harmless sound waves to take pictures of the arteries and veins in your body.
  • Generally, this is a safe procedure. There are no known risks or complications that arise from having an ultrasound.
  • A gel will be applied to your skin. It may feel cool. The device that takes the pictures (transducer) will then be placed on the area to be examined.
  • It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider or the department that is doing the test when your results will be ready and how you will get your results.
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