Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes to produce images of organs and body’s internal structures. A probe sends the sound waves into the body and depending on the echoes received back 2D images are formed on a screen. The radiologist then interprets these images and makes a report.
Doppler Ultrasound (Vascular Lab)
Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound that evaluates blood flow of upper and lower limbs. It uses sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system. This helps to identify blockages in the arteries and veins and detects blood clots and arteriosclerosis. The use of cuffs applied at different positions on the limb in order to produce compression is one reason that makes this study different from a regular ultrasound.
What to bring on the day of your appointment
- Radiology request form
- Civil ID
- Insurance card
- Reports, CDs, films, etc. of any prior relevant studies (such as prior ultrasounds, X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans) you may have undergone as these will be helpful in better assessing your condition.
Preparation
How to prepare for your exam depends on the type of exam you are having. At the time of your appointment you will be given instructions specific to your test. Please follow them carefully in order to obtain a good study.
Below are some expected guidelines for common ultrasound studies:
Abdomen:
You will be asked to fast for 4-6 hours. However, you may drink water or fruit juices. Avoid milk, dairy products and any other food containing fat, butter or oil before your test.
If you have any specific problem with fasting, please mention it to the reception staff while booking your appointment.
Pelvis:
A full urinary bladder is required to evaluate the bladder and prostate in men and bladder, uterus and ovaries in females. For this, you will have to drink about one liter of water and refrain from using the toilet to ensure your bladder is full.
In case of an abdomen and pelvis study, both sets of guidelines mentioned above will have to be followed.
Note: For ultrasound of thyroid, testes/scrotum, Doppler ultrasound for neck, limbs, abdomen and vascular lab studies, no specific preparation is required.
On the day of the appointment
- Please arrive at the Diagnostic Imaging Reception at least 30 minutes before your test. Failing to attend within 20 minutes of the given appointment time may lead to cancellation.
- Parent or guardian of patient younger than 18 years of age must accompany the patient.
- You may be asked to remove jewelry and change into a gown before your exam. If you are having a vascular study of your limbs, wear loose fitting clothes to allow easy access to different parts of your limbs.
- It is advisable that you leave all valuables at home. The center bears no responsibility if lost.
- In case you have personal belongings, you can either give them to your relative/ attendant for safety. Alternatively, you can use the locker inside the procedure room.
- You will lie down on an examination table for the test and depending on the area being examined you may be asked to change positions for better visualization of your internal structures. A gel will be applied to you skin in the area of the examination. The radiologist will slowly move a probe over the area while viewing the images produced on the screen.
- For upper and lower limb vascular studies, please inform the nurse or technician of any recent surgeries, mastectomies, presence of dialysis fistulas, bypass grafts, etc. In some studies, several cuffs will be applied at different locations on your limb and measurements will be taken. For venous blood flow studies, pressure will be applied by squeezing your limbs by hand. A small degree of discomfort is expected in such exams.
- For carotid Doppler study and thyroid ultrasound, you neck will be tilted back at an angle for better visualization of your vessels/gland.
- Generally, examinations take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
After your test
- After the procedure, the gel will be cleaned off your skin.
- On completion of your test, you may proceed to reception for information about the collection of your report.
- You may resume regular activities and take all your medications as indicated by your doctor.
Contact Us
For any inquiries, cancellations or for rescheduling your appointment, please contact us at:
