Arterial and Venous Doppler

Arterial and Venous Doppler or Color Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow through your arteries and veins, usually those that supply blood to your arms and legs.

Arterial and Venous Doppler scans of the upper and lower extremities are done using a handheld device (transducer) applied to areas of the arms or legs where the arteries and veins are located. Sound waves are used to produce a visual image of the actual artery or vein, and to measure the blood flow in them. The scans can detect blood clots and problems with valves in the veins. The scan can also detect the severity and location of any blockages in the arteries that supply your legs or arms with blood flow.

Preparation: In general, there’s no preparation required for this test. If you’re a smoker, your doctor may ask you to stop smoking for several hours before the test. Smoking causes your blood vessels to narrow, which can affect the results of your test.