DOPPLER ARTERIAL LOWER LIMB - LEFT ULTRASOUND SCAN
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About The Test
What the Test Shows
- Real-time blood flow speed and direction in the left leg arteries
- Narrowings (stenosis), blockages, or plaques before they cause pain
- Post-surgical graft or stent performance
How Long It Takes
20–30 minutes from check-in to checkout.
Why Cadabams Diagnostics
- NABL-accredited lab with high-resolution ultrasound systems
- Report ready within 2 hours
- Friendly staff trained to make seniors and diabetics comfortable
What is Doppler Arterial Lower Limb - Left Ultrasound Scan?
Definition in Simple Terms
A Doppler arterial scan uses sound waves to create moving pictures of blood traveling through the arteries of your left lower limb. It shows how and how fast blood is moving—something a regular ultrasound cannot do.
Difference Between Standard Ultrasound & Doppler
| Feature | Standard Ultrasound | Doppler Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
| Shows structure of arteries | Yes | Yes |
| Shows blood flow speed & direction | No | Yes |
| Detects blockages | Limited | High accuracy |
Types of Doppler Scans for Lower Extremity Arteries
- Color Doppler – overlays color on the image to show speed and turbulence
- Spectral Doppler – displays a waveform graph for precise velocity measurements
- Power Doppler – extra-sensitive for detecting slow flow in tiny vessels, used when blockages are suspected
List of Parameters
| Parameter | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Peak systolic velocity (PSV) | Highest speed of blood; sharp rise may indicate narrowing |
| End-diastolic velocity (EDV) | Speed at the end of heart’s relaxation; high EDV suggests severe blockage |
| Resistive index (RI) | Artery flexibility; low RI can point to downstream obstruction |
| Presence of plaques or stenosis | Cholesterol deposits or narrowing measured in % |
Why This Test
- Evaluate claudication – pinpoint level of blockage causing leg pain
- Pre-surgical mapping – plan bypass or angioplasty routes
- Monitor bypass grafts & stents – ensure they stay open
When to Take Test
Common Symptoms Prompting the Scan
- Pain or cramping in the left calf, thigh, or buttock while walking (claudication)
- Cold or pale left foot
- Non-healing ulcers or blackened toes
- Weak or absent left leg pulse
High-Risk Groups
- Diabetics – high sugar injures artery walls
- Smokers – nicotine causes vessel spasm and plaque
- Seniors over 60 – natural aging thickens arteries
- People with high blood pressure or cholesterol
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Ultrasound Scan
- Non-invasive & painless – gel and a probe only
- Real-time blood-flow imaging – watch your pulse live on screen
- Same-day results at Cadabams – leave with a report and doctor consult
Illnesses Diagnosed with This Scan
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – early detection prevents limb loss
- Arterial occlusions – complete or partial blockages
- Diabetic microangiopathy – small vessel damage in long-standing diabetes
Preparing for test
- Clothing: wear loose shorts or pants you can roll up easily
- Medications: continue all prescriptions, including blood thinners
- Remove jewelry from the left leg only
Pre-requisites for the Scan
- Fasting not required – eat normally
- Bring any prior angiography or ultrasound reports to compare progress
- Inform front desk if you have a pacemaker (not contraindicated, but we note it)
Best Time to Take the Scan
- Morning slots preferred for diabetic patients – stable blood sugar after breakfast
- Avoid caffeine 2 hours before – it can temporarily speed up blood flow and skew readings
Eligibility
- Adults & elderly – routine screening or symptom investigation
- Pediatric cases by referral only – rare but possible in congenital malformations
Procedure for Taking the Scan
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check-in at front desk, verify ID and phone number |
| 2 | Change into shorts if needed |
| 3 | Lie on a comfortable couch; left leg externally rotated |
| 4 | Water-based gel applied; probe glided from groin to ankle |
| 5 | Gentle pressure taken at multiple sites; you may hear “whooshing” sounds |
| 6 | Images captured; wipe off gel, get dressed |
| 7 | Report printed and explained by radiologist |
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform about open wounds or ulcers – we use sterile probe covers
- Pacemakers & metal implants – safe; just let us know for documentation
- No sedation – drive home or back to work immediately after
Test Results
Results and Their Interpretation
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Smooth, laminar flow; PSV <180 cm/s; no plaques | No abnormality – routine follow-up |
| Mild stenosis | PSV 180–250 cm/s; plaque <50% | Monitor and manage risk factors |
| Significant stenosis | PSV >250 cm/s or waveform changes | Refer to vascular specialist for further evaluation |
Risks & Limitations
- Zero radiation exposure – safe for repeated follow-ups
- Non-invasive – no needles, contrast, or dyes
- Possible challenges: very obese patients may need lower-frequency probes for deeper vessels; open wounds are covered with sterile drapes to prevent infection risk
FAQs
Is the scan painful?
No, it’s completely painless.
Do I need to stop blood thinners?
No, continue exactly as prescribed.
When will I get results?
Within 2 hours at Cadabams Diagnostics.
Can I drive after the scan?
Yes, no sedation is involved.
What if arteries are blocked?
Your doctor will discuss lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like angioplasty.
Is insurance covered?
Most policies reimburse; verify coverage at our front desk.