Medical abbreviation:
None
Type:
Radiology
Definition:
An imaging technique used to image the veins and arteries of the body using sound waves. The device looks at the changing pitch of reflected sound waves (Doppler effect), which helps to identify the direction and rate of flow of blood and highlight areas where there may be an obstruction.
When would I need this test?
Doctors use ultrasound doppler to assess the flow of blood through various veins and arteries. The test is non-invasive and virtually risk free (similar to ultrasound). In patient who have suffered stroke or at risk of having a stroke, ultrasound Doppler is done to assess the carotid arteries, looking for narrowing or obstructions in the artery. In suspected cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ultrasound doppler is used as first line imaging technique to confirm the presence of a clot. The technique can also be used to assess foetal blood flow.
