Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.

How the Test is Performed

An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray or T scan, there is no ioni!ing radiation exposure with this test. The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department. "ou will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. "ou may be asked to change position so that other areas can be examined. #or specific information about ultrasound examinations, please refer to the following topics$

How the Test is Performed

A duplex ultrasound combines traditional ultrasound with %oppler ultrasound. Traditional ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures. %oppler ultrasound records sound waves reflecting off moving ob&ects, such as blood, to measure their speed and other aspects of how they flow. There are different types of duplex ultrasound exams. 'ome include$ Arterial and venous duplex ultrasound of the abdomen examines blood vessels and blood flow in the abdominal area. arotid duplex ultrasound looks at the carotid artery in the neck. %uplex ultrasound of the extremities looks at the arms or legs. (enal duplex ultrasound examines the kidneys and their blood vessels.

"ou may need to wear a medical gown. "ou will lie down on a table, and the ultrasound technician will spread a gel over the area being tested. The gel helps the sound waves get into your tissues. A wand, called a transducer, is moved over the area being tested. This wand sends out the sound waves.A computer measures how the sound waves reflect back, and changes the sound waves into pictures. The %oppler creates a )swishing) sound, which is the sound of your blood moving through the arteries and veins. "ou need to stay still during the exam. "ou may be asked to lie in different body positions, or to take a deep breath and hold it.

'ometimes during a duplex ultrasound of the legs, the health care provider may calculate an ankle-brachial *A+,- index. "ou will need to wear blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs for this test. The A+, number is obtained by dividing the blood pressure in the ankle by the blood pressure in the arm. A value of ../ or greater is normal.

How to Prepare for the Test

Usually, there is no preparation for a duplex ultrasound. ,f you are having an ultrasound of your stomach area, you may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight. Tell the person doing the ultrasound exam if you are taking any medicines, such as blood thinners, that might affect the results of the test.

How the Test Will Feel

"ou may feel some pressure as the wand is moved over the body, but there is usually no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

%uplex ultrasound is a less invasive option to arteriography and venography. A duplex ultrasound can show how blood flows to many parts of the body. ,t can also tell the width of a blood vessel and reveal any blockages. A duplex ultrasound can help diagnose the following conditions$

Carotid duplex
0mail this page to a friend'hare on facebook'hare on twitter+ookmark 1 'hare2rinter-friendly version arotid duplex is an ultrasound test that shows how well blood is flowing through the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are located in the neck. They supply blood to the brain. How the Test is Performed The test is done in a vascular lab or radiology department. "ou will be asked to lie on your back. "our head will be supported to prevent it from moving. The health care provider applies a water-soluble gel on your skin and gently runs a handheld device called a transducer over the area of the carotid arteries in your neck. The device sends high-frequency sound waves to the arteries in your neck. The sound waves bounce off the blood vessels and form images or pictures of the insides of the arteries. How to Prepare for the Test 3o preparation is necessary. How the Test Will Feel

"ou may feel some pressure as the probe is moved around your neck. The pressure should not cause any pain. "ou may also hear a )whooshing) sound. Why the Test is Performed The carotid duplex test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. ,t can detect$ +lood clotting *thrombosis3arrowing in the arteries *stenosis4ther causes of blockage in the carotid arteries

"our doctor may order this test if$ "ou have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack *T,A"ou need a follow-up test because$ o The carotid artery was found to be narrowed in the past o "ou have had surgery on your carotid artery "our doctor hears an abnormal sound called a bruit over the carotid neck arteries. This may mean the artery is narrowed.