VENOUS COLOUR DOPPLER

Venous Colour Doppler Overview

A Venous Colour Doppler (VCD) is a test that does not require any incision and uses sound waves to record the flow of blood in veins. This is a unique ultrasound which uses the Doppler effect to hear the blood flowing in the veins. 

What is Venous Colour Doppler: 

A Venous Colour Doppler is a custom ultrasound test that captures images of arteries and veins along with the blood moving in them using sound waves. The test employs the Doppler effect, which states that the frequency of a sound wave changes when it strikes a moving object. Here, the moving object is blood in veins. Every vein, artery, and organ in the human body is marked with a unique colour to indicate their function. 

Types of Venous Colour Doppler 

Like other tests, there are two primary types of Venous Colour Doppler tests: 

• B-mode scan: This is the standard type of scan performed, and it gives a two-dimensional image of the veins. 
• Duplex scan: This type combines B mode with Doppler ultrasound to give a colour image of blood flow to the region being examined. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Venous Colour Doppler

A medical expert looks at the following factors during the test: 

• Patient’s history 
• The Following Conditions may require Certain Changes: 
• History of Cardiovascular problems 
• Overweight BMI 
• Pulmonary illness 
• Anomalies in a patient's anatomy and associated symptoms will require adjustments. 

The Following Factors Have Also Been Identified as Requiring Adjustments: 

• Anaemia 
• Hypertension 
• Respiratory Distress 
• Adverse skin conditions 

Reasons for Taking a Venous Colour Doppler

This test may be required for the following conditions or signs: 

• Enlarging and Bulging Veins 
• Dependent Lymphedema 
• Ulceration of the lower limb 
• Thrombus or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) 
• Carotid arteries blockage 
• Pain in the hands or feet 
• Obstruction of veins in the abdominal region 

Who & When Needs to Get a Venous Colour Doppler? 

Patients with the following symptoms may require a Venous Colour Doppler test: 

• Swelling or Edema of the limbs 
• Varicose veins or vascular spiders 
• Leg or arm pain or cramps 
• Non-healing leg ulcers or wounds 

Some groups of people who are likely to need this test include: 

• Expectant mothers 
• Individuals familial DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) 
• Individuals with a history of thromboembolic events or stroke 
• Sedentary workers who are required to stand for long hours at a stretch 

Who & When Needs to Get a Venous Colour Doppler? 

Patients with the following symptoms may require a Venous Colour Doppler test: 

• Swelling or Edema of the limbs 
• Varicose veins or vascular spiders 
• Leg or arm pain or cramps 
• Non-healing leg ulcers or wounds 

Some groups of people who are likely to need this test include: 

• Expectant mothers 
• Individuals familial DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) 
• Individuals with a history of thromboembolic events or stroke 
• Sedentary workers who are required to stand for long hours at a stretch 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• This does not require any penetration – it’s easy and painless 
• Offers accurate data regarding the flow of blood and working of veins 
• Assists in the management of thromboembolic disease such as DVT 
• Helpful in observing therapy effectiveness for chronic venous condition 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Venous Colour Doppler

Alternative conditions that are known to be commonly diagnosed include: 

• Venous insufficiency 
• DVT 
• Phlebitis 
• Chronic carotid artery disease 

Preparing for Venous Colour Doppler

• No preparations are specified for this test. 
• Patients should refrain from tight garments or jewellery that could obstruct the ultrasound waves. 
• Length socks should be removed before the test commences. 

Pre-requisites 

• No periods of fasting or specific dietary rules need to be followed. 
• Patients are advised to continue taking prescribed medicine from their doctors. 

Best Time to Take the Venous Colour Doppler 

• Any time is appropriate to take the test. 

Eligibility 

• Virtually anyone demonstrating symptoms of some form of venous disease is a candidate for the test. 
• Patients with any severe lung diseases, critical obstruction of the inferior vena cava, or other serious conditions are excluded. 

Procedure for Taking a Venous Colour Doppler 

• It usually takes 15-60 minutes to perform this test. 
• The patient takes a seated or lying position on a table with the limb that is being examined uncovered. 
• The ultrasound technologist applies a gel on the portion of the limb that has been injured. 
• An imaging probe is placed on the skin, and images are created alongside blood flow information being collected. 
• Patients may have to move the limb or their position for the test. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• It is important to inform the technologist of any conditions or allergies that may be relevant. 
• Patients should avoid disclosing problems of heart and foetus, if any.