Doppler Test for Legs: A Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tool

Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides pictures of the body's veins and arteries. A Doppler test for legs, also known as an arterial Doppler ultrasound, is a special type of vascular ultrasound that evaluates the movement of materials within the body. This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of blood flowing through blood vessels.

During the test, a small probe called a transducer is placed on the skin and rubbed over the area being evaluated. The transducer collects sound waves that bounce back from the body's internal organs and sends them to a computer, which uses these sound waves to create an image. This process is called sonography, and it produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves.

The Doppler test for legs is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), blockages, abdominal aortic aneurysms, narrowing of arteries or vein closure. Patients are required to obtain a physician's prescription before undergoing the test.

No preparation is necessary for this test, but patients may need to lie in different positions during the examination to allow the technologist to capture images from various angles. A gel substance is placed on the skin to help the transducer glide smoothly over the area being evaluated.

The test is performed by a technologist who has been specially trained and is reviewed by a vascular surgeon to ensure accurate diagnosis. The Center for Vascular Ultrasound at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of circulatory system conditions using Doppler ultrasound technology.

Overall, the Doppler test for legs is an effective diagnostic tool that helps physicians diagnose and treat PAD, which affects millions of Americans. By providing real-time images of blood flow through blood vessels, this non-invasive test can help identify blockages and other vascular conditions before they become severe complications.