What is a Doppler test for leg ulcers?
To rule out peripheral arterial disease (a condition affecting the arteries) as a possible cause of your symptoms, your GP or nurse will carry out a test known as a Doppler study. This involves measuring the blood pressure in the arteries at your ankles and comparing it to the pressure in your arms.
What is a Doppler assessment in wound management?
The Doppler is a tool for assessing arterial disease in the lower leg and any deviation in the process will produce variables that affect the results obtained (Worboys, 2006).
How do you perform a Doppler assessment?
During a Doppler ultrasound, a technician trained in ultrasound imaging (sonographer) presses a small hand-held device (transducer), about the size of a bar of soap, against your skin over the area of your body being examined, moving from one area to another as necessary.
What is a Doppler assessment?
A Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It helps evaluate blood flow through the major arteries and veins of the feet. It can show blocked or reduced blood flow through narrowing in the major arteries.
How is a Doppler test done on legs?
A water-soluble gel is placed on a handheld device called a transducer. This device directs high-frequency sound waves to the artery or veins being tested. Blood pressure cuffs may be put around different parts of the body, including the thigh, calf, ankle, and different points along the arm.
What happens if a Doppler test is positive?
Normal test results indicate thatyou have no narrowing or blockages in your arteries. It also means that the blood pressure in your arteries is normal. Abnormal blood flow patterns, including narrowing or closing of the arteries, can indicate: blockage in the arteries, which may be due to a buildup of cholesterol.
When should a Doppler be done?
Your doctor may suggest a Doppler ultrasound exam if you show signs of decreased blood flow in the arteries or veins of your legs, arms, or neck. A reduced amount of blood flow may be due to a blockage in the artery, a blood clot inside a blood vessel, or an injury to a blood vessel.
How long does it take to get results from a Doppler test?
The doctor who ordered the test for you will receive the results within two to three days and tell you the results.
What does ultrasound of legs show?
Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your leg veins. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to “see” inside your body. This procedure is performed to evaluate symptoms including leg pain or swelling, excessive varicose veins, shortness of breath, or suspected blood clots in your legs and/or lungs.