Doppler Vascular Ultrasound
A Doppler vascular ultrasound produces precise images and measurements of many blood vessels in the body. It is commonly used to image the carotid artery in the neck, or arteries and veins in legs and arms. It can detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions, enabling your doctor to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit RadiologyInfo.org.
Tests Included
- Sample Type: Blood & Urine
- HSA/FSA: Accepted
- Collection Method: In person at a Labcorp location
- Results: 1 day from when your sample arrives at our lab
Preparation: Fast for 12 hours (no food or drink, except water) before sample collection. If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin (also called vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R), commonly found in products promoting nail, skin and hair health, it is recommended that you wait at least 72 hours from your last dose before sample collection.
Depending upon the part of the body being examined, you may be advised to be fasting for at least eight hours. Many ultrasound exams have no preparation required.
You should wear comfortable clothing on the day of your examination.
Abdominal Aorta
- If your abdominal vessels are being examined it is best to fast before the procedure.
- Do not eat or drink after 10 p.m. the night before the exam.
- Do not withhold medication – a tablet may be taken with a small amount of water.
A medical diagnostic sonographer performs an ultrasound examination. To perform the exam, the sonographer uses a transducer, along with hypoallergenic, water-soluble gel applied to the area being examined. The transducer generates and receives the high-frequency sound waves while the ultrasound gel helps to transmit the sound wave.
- After the examination, a radiologic technologist will examine the images and transfer them to the radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist will then evaluate the images and create a report of the findings to your medical provider.
- Results are typically available within 2 to 4 hours..
- It is recommended that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss the results.