ARTERIAL COLOUR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
Also Known As
SENIOR
FLAT 10% OFF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
FAMILY
ADD A FAMILY MEMBER FOR 20% DISCOUNT

Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
Quick Snapshot of the Test
- Uses harmless sound waves to map blood speed and direction
- Takes 20–40 minutes from check-in to finish
- No radiation, no contrast dye, no fasting in most cases
Why Cadabams Diagnostics for Doppler Scans
- Same-day appointments for urgent symptoms
- ACR-accredited sonographers specialised in vascular imaging
- Instant digital reports sent to your phone and doctor within 2 hours
What is an Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan?
How Colour Doppler Technology Works
A probe sends high-frequency sound waves through your skin. When these waves bounce off moving red-blood cells, the machine converts the echoes into colour images:
- Red/Blue = direction of flow
- Brightness = speed of flow
Difference Between Colour Doppler and Standard Ultrasound
Feature | Standard Ultrasound | Colour Doppler Ultrasound |
---|---|---|
Shows structure | Yes | Yes |
Shows blood flow | No | Yes |
Detects blockages | Limited | High accuracy |
Used for | Organs | Arteries & veins |
Types of Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Lower Limb Arterial Doppler – from groin to ankle
- Upper Limb Arterial Doppler – from shoulder to wrist
- Carotid & Vertebral Arterial Doppler – neck arteries feeding the brain
List of Parameters
Parameter | What It Tells Us |
---|---|
Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) | Highest speed of blood; spikes indicate narrowing |
End-Diastolic Velocity (EDV) | Residual flow while heart rests |
Resistive Index (RI) | Artery stiffness or downstream blockage |
Plaque Characterisation | Soft vs calcified plaque risk |
Diameter Reduction % | Exact percentage of blockage |
Why This Test
- Detect Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) before gangrene sets in
- Evaluate bypass grafts or stents for clogs
- Provide pre-surgical vascular mapping for fistula or flap surgeries
When to Take Test
Symptoms That Warrant a Scan
- Leg pain while walking that eases with rest
- Cold or pale feet and hands
- Non-healing ulcers on lower limbs
- Sudden arm or leg weakness
High-Risk Groups
- Diabetics: 2–4× higher PAD risk
- Smokers: nicotine narrows vessels
- Heart patients: atherosclerosis may be widespread
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Painless & Non-Invasive
- Real-Time Imaging & Instant Results
- Cost-Effective vs CT/MR Angiography – up to 50 % less out-of-pocket
Illnesses Diagnosed with Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Atherosclerosis & Arterial Stenosis
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – rule-out co-existing clots
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon – assess small-vessel spasms
Preparing for test
Fasting & Medication Guidelines
- No fasting for limb studies
- Take all regular meds; bring the list
Clothing & Comfort Tips
- Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up
- Remove jewellery near the scanning site
Pre-requisites for Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Doctor’s referral OR direct booking via Cadabams website
- Previous reports – bring any prior angiograms or Doppler results
Best Time to Take the Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Early morning slots keep diabetic patients in routine
- Same-day scheduling available for acute limb pain or trauma
Eligibility
- Age: New-borns to 100 + years
- Pregnancy: Safe at all trimesters; no special precautions
Procedure for Taking an Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan
- Check-in at reception with ID
- Change into gown if needed
- Lie on the exam table; gel applied to skin
- Sonographer moves probe along arteries
- Listen to “whooshing” sounds in real-time
- Wipe gel, get dressed
- Receive preliminary report before leaving
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff about pacemakers, open wounds, or skin infections
- Avoid nicotine and caffeine 2 hours prior—they constrict vessels and may skew results
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
PSV > 180 cm/s | High velocity in a segment | ≥50 % stenosis likely |
Monophasic waveform | Loss of triphasic pattern | Significant downstream blockage |
Plaque with shadowing | Bright echogenic area | Calcified plaque, may hide true narrowin |
RI > 0.9 | Very high resistance | Poor distal perfusion |
Diameter reduction 0–19 % | Minimal narrowing | Lifestyle advice only |
Risks & Limitations
Potential Limitations
- Obesity: sound waves weaken in deeper tissues
- Severe calcifications: may shadow narrowings
No Radiation – Safety Profile Explained
Unlike CT angiography, this scan uses zero ionising radiation, making it safe for:
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Repeat follow-ups
FAQs
Is the test painful?
No. You will feel mild pressure from the probe and cool gel—nothing more.
How soon will I get my results?
Preliminary findings in 30 minutes; final signed report within 2 hours.
Can I drive after the scan?
Yes. No sedation is used.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Most policies cover medically indicated scans; our front desk verifies coverage in 5 minutes.
What if the results are abnormal?
We schedule a same-week consultation with our vascular team to plan medication, lifestyle changes, or further imaging.