DOPPLER AVF ULTRASOUND SCAN

A single non-invasive scan that keeps your dialysis lifeline healthy. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we combine expert sonographers, high-end color-Doppler machines, and same-day reports to give both patients and nephrologists the clarity they need—fast.

What is DOPPLER AVF ULTRASOUND SCAN?

A DOPPLER AVF ULtrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves and color-flow mapping to measure blood velocity in your **arteriovenous fistula (AVF)**—the surgically created access arm vein used for dialysis.

• How color Doppler works: Micro-bubbles in the gel reflect sound waves, generating real-time images that show direction and speed of blood flow.
• Difference: A general Doppler examines any artery or vein; the AVF scan focuses only on the dialysis access route, checking for maturation, stenosis, or thrombosis.

Types of DOPPLER AVF ULTRASOUND SCAN

1. Color-flow Doppler – paints vessels in red/blue to visualise direction and turbulence.
2. Spectral Doppler – produces waveforms for precise velocity measurements.
3. Power Doppler – optional add-on that boosts sensitivity in low-flow states (immature fistula).

• Confirm maturation – flow ≥600 mL/min signals readiness.
• Detect thrombosis – clot before dialysis needles fail.
• Plan percutaneous interventions – balloon angioplasty or stent placement.

• Pre-surgery vascular mapping – helps surgeons decide the best vessel segment for fistula creation.
• Routine surveillance – first scan 4–6 weeks post-AVF creation; annual or as-flow issues arise.
• Red-flag symptoms – prolonged bleeding after needle removal, arm swelling, thrill loss, or prolonged bleeding time.

Benefits You Can Count On

• Non-invasive & painless – no needles inside the fistula.
• Real-time results – report in 30 minutes.
• Guides treatment decisions – whether to continue dialysis, intervene, or re-map.

Illnesses Diagnosed

• AVF stenosis – narrowing reduces flow.
• Thrombosis – clot obstructs lumen.
• Aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm – ballooning or false pouch.
• Infection-related changes – increased RI or wall thickening.

• Wear loose sleeve tops on the access arm.
• Skip lotions or oils the morning of the scan.
• Bring latest dialysis schedule for context.

Pre-requisites

• Valid nephrologist/surgeon referral letter.
• Previous scan CD or report (if any) for comparison.

Best Time for the Scan

• 4–6 weeks post-AVF creation for maturation check.
• Annually thereafter or whenever dialysis staff note reduced flow or rising arterial pressures.

Eligibility

• Any patient with an AV fistula or graft.
• Must be able to sit or lie still for 15–30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Positioning – you’ll sit or lie supine with arm extended.
2. Warm gel – applied to the access arm to eliminate air gaps.
3. Probe glide – sonographer moves the probe along vessels; color & spectral images captured.
4. Report – printed, explained, and handed over within 30 minutes.

Cautions Before Testing

• Inform if the arm is infected or ulcerated.
• Notify about recent CT/MRI with contrast (rarely affects timing).