What the doctor orders is what is best for the patient. And sometimes, that means additional testing or scans to confirm, rule out, or resolve any qualms. If you’re wondering what to expect during a vascular ultrasound, we discuss that below to help you move forward with ease.

Why Your Provider May Advise a Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is an incredible technique that uses various medical advancements to help providers draw safe, ethical conclusions about the best care. The primary goal of vascular ultrasound is to listen to the sound waves to detect possible blocks or blood flow issues. This is also the potential reason a provider may advise this type of scanning technique.

The ultrasound can detect and show imagery of how well your vessels are circulating the blood supply, and this is essential to rule out potential circulatory problems or blood conditions. A probe-like device, sometimes known as the transducer, will send the waves through the designated scanning surface, collect the sounds, and convert the data into imagery or numerical readings for the provider.

Here’s What You Can Expect

So, what can you expect from a vascular ultrasound with your provider? If your provider suggests a vascular scan, it’s essential to remain calm. Some vascular ultrasound exams, such as ABI assessments, may require you to rest for 15 minutes before the exam is performed to ensure your heart is at a resting rate.

After asking you a series of mindful questions, your provider will ask you to lie down and relax while they prepare the station. Your provider will explain to you the basic format of the scan, including how the diagnostics work. From here, your provider will most likely use a handheld vascular doppler. This scan may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes and is noninvasive.

What the Results May Indicate

With the results, providers have a clearer understanding of blood flow, supply, circulatory complications, potential risks, and potential clotting. While not every scan will produce results, others may highlight exactly what a provider was seeking. Vascular Dopplers and ABI systems are commonly used to diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

In the event results appear and indicate potential problems, trust that the provider will initiate a care plan feasible for managing the issues. 

Cascade Health Care has been supplying the medical field with industry-leading technology and devices, including various ultrasound devices and ABI machines. We feature the industry’s most in-demand brands to offer providers the highest-quality equipment. Connect with us to learn more about vascular ultrasounds and scanning techniques.