Vascular Ultrasound Exam Preparation
Overview
A vascular ultrasound exam looks at the blood vessels to see whether there are any areas of dilatation, narrowing, or blockage. The vessels most frequently looked at are in the neck, arms, and legs, including both arteries and/or veins, as well as assessment of bypass grafts and AV fistulas for hemodialysis.
Exam Preparation
No special preparation is necessary.
Who will do my exam?
How is the exam performed? The patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer, which is about the size of a microphone, will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.
Probably about a half hour, depending on the area to be studied. In some cases the exam may last up to one and a half hours.
Will it hurt?
No.
Exam Results
Upon completion of the exam, a radiologist from BIDMC or Childrens Hospital will interpret your exam. Your doctor will be contacted with the results.
