Vascular
Ultrasound

What is a Vascular Ultrasound Study?

This test examines the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the body with the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves). A vascular ultrasound study is ordered to diagnose blockages in a blood vessel that might cause a variety of symptoms or problems.

This procedure uses sound waves to obtain images and measure the blood flow. These images are analyzed to determine whether or not you have blockages in your arteries, blood clots in your veins, or if an aneurysm is present. An instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer is placed over an artery or vein.

The transducer receives the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The ultrasound machine converts these impulses into images that are recorded by the technologist.