US DOPPLER VENOUS UPPER LIMB - BOTH

US Doppler Venous Upper Limb Overview

An Ultrasound (US) Doppler Venous Upper Limb exam is a vascular ultrasound that assesses upper extremity blood flow and circulation. It evaluates the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency, and blood clots in the upper limb. 

What is US Doppler Venous Upper Limb? 

US Doppler Venous Upper Limb uses ultrasound technology to assess blood flow through the veins of the upper limb. The veins in the upper limb are assessed, because blood vessels containing defects can either block or alter the speed, direction, and movement of blood flow. 

Types of US Doppler Venous Upper Limb 

• Colour Doppler Ultrasound: Displays direction of blood flow in real time. 
• Spectral Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates the speed of flow of blood. 
• Compression Ultrasound: Looks at vein compressibility for DVT detection. 

List of Parameters Considered During US Doppler Venous Upper Limb

• Volume of venous constriction 
• Speed and direction of blood flow 
• Clots or other obstructions 
• Degree of venous reflux (if any) 

Reasons for Taking a US Doppler Venous Upper Limb

• Suspicion of DVT or blood clot. 
• Symptoms indicating chronic venous insufficiency. 
• Monitoring after vascular surgery. 
• Assessing Pain and Swelling of Unknown Origin 

When and Who Needs a US Doppler Venous Upper Limb? 

Indications: 

• Pain, edema, or swelling 
• Chronic venous obstruction (DVT) 
• Symptoms of venous reflux 
• Recurrent follow-up after surgical vascular interventions 
• Upper limb soreness of indeterminate origin 

Patient Demographics: 

• Patients presenting with suspected vascular pathology 
• Patients with a history of thrombo-embolic affection 
• Post-surgical patients who require vascular evaluation 

Benefits of Taking the Test

It is not invasive and does not cause discomfort 

• It aids in the early diagnosis of venous disorders 
• Does not involve exposure to radiation 
• Gives assessment of blood supply during the examination 

Illness Diagnosed with US Doppler Venous Upper Limb

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 
• Venous insufficiency 
• Superficial thrombophlebitis 
• Venous occlusion or stenosis 

Preparing For US Doppler Venous Upper Limb

• Not necessitated with diet 
• Put on short sleeves or loose clothing that can easily be rolled up 
• Inform bypassing any possible previous clotting disorders to the clinician 

Prerequisites 

• No specific prerequisites; this test can be done any time 

Best Time to Perform US Doppler Venous Upper Limb 

• As clinically indicated, it may be performed anytime 

Eligibility 

• No contraindications for all patients 
• Most people who show symptoms of venous disease are ideal candidates 

Procedure For Taking a US Doppler Venous Upper Limb 

• The patient lies supine with the arm to be examined uncovered. 
• A gel is put on the skin to enhance propagation of the sound waves. 
• The transducer is placed on the veins and moved while taking the picture. 
• The sonographer evaluates the blood flow and compressibility of the veins. 
• The entire examination takes between 20 and 40 minutes. 

Cautions Before Taking the Test 

• Notify the technologist if you are taking anticoagulant therapy or have any history of vascular issues. 
• For unobstructed imaging, please avoid movement during the scan.