Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves. It allows the doctor to see problems related to organs, blood vessels, and tissues without making any incisions. Unlike other imaging methods, ultrasound does not use radiation, making it the preferred method for visualizing the fetus.

Doppler Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure blood flow in blood vessels. It is used for diagnosing various conditions, including blood clots and poor circulation.

When Should Ultrasound Be Used?

Ultrasound is often associated with pregnancy. This imaging test can provide a pregnant mother with the first images of her unborn baby or give information about the baby's health. However, ultrasound has many other uses.

Ultrasound is also used when a person has symptoms requiring images of their organs, such as pain, swelling, or the need to visualize certain organs. Organs that can be imaged using ultrasound include the bladder, brain (in infants), gallbladder, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, spleen, thyroid gland, testes, and uterus. Ultrasound is also a very useful method during medical procedures like biopsies to guide the surgeon’s movements.

When Should Doppler Ultrasound Be Used?

Doppler ultrasound is used when there are signs of reduced blood flow in the arteries of the legs, arms, or neck. Decreased blood flow may be due to various causes, such as a blockage in the artery, a blood clot inside the blood vessel, or injury.

• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (Acute DVT): This is a serious condition caused by the sudden formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in the veins of the legs or hips and can threaten the person’s life.

• Superficial Thrombophlebitis: This occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein just below the skin’s surface, causing inflammation of the veins.

• Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): This condition results from the thickening and loss of elasticity in the artery walls, causing narrowing and hardening of the arteries. It is more common in men.

Doppler ultrasound is also used in cases of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) or vascular tumors in the arms or legs. It helps show the amount of blood flowing through the arteries and veins, assisting in determining blood pressure in the arteries.

Before Doppler Ultrasound

Before the Doppler ultrasound, the person should wear comfortable clothes and remove any jewelry or clothing that might interfere with the examination. However, glasses, contact lenses, dentures, or hearing aids do not need to be removed. In some cases, the person may be asked to wear a hospital gown.

If the Doppler ultrasound is to be performed on the abdominal area, the person may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure. If the examination is to be done on the bladder, it is better to have a full bladder, so the person will need to drink some water before the test.

What Happens During Doppler Ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound is a painless procedure that does not expose the person to harmful radiation or require incisions. It carries no risks, and most people report feeling no discomfort during the procedure.

During Doppler ultrasound, the person lies down, and the doctor applies a water-soluble gel to the relevant area. Then, a hand-held device that sends high-frequency sound waves to the blood vessels is pressed and moved on the skin. The device sends sound waves through the skin and body tissues to the blood vessels. These sound waves are reflected back from the blood vessels and sent to a computer, which processes and records the information. The computer generates images showing blood flow through the vessels.

During ultrasound, blood pressure cuffs may be placed on various parts of the body, such as the thigh, calf, ankle, or arm, to compare blood pressure readings.

Post-Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation

After Doppler ultrasound, the doctor will evaluate all the images to interpret their meaning and decide if additional tests are necessary or if a treatment plan should be developed. If the person has a blood clot problem, multiple Doppler ultrasound exams may be needed within a few days to check if the clots are growing or if new ones are forming.