What Is Doppler Ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) reflected from circulating red blood cells to assess blood flow in blood vessels. Conventional ultrasound uses sound waves to create images but cannot show blood flow.

Doppler ultrasound can help diagnose many diseases, including:

Thrombus

Poorly functioning valves in the veins of the legs, which may cause blood or other fluids to build up in the legs (venous insufficiency)

Heart valve defects and congenital heart disease

Arterial blockage (arterial occlusion)

Reduced blood circulation in the legs (peripheral arterial disease)

Arterial bulge (aneurysm)

Narrowing of arteries, such as in the neck (carotid stenosis)

Doppler ultrasound can assess the speed of blood flow by measuring the rate of change in pitch (frequency). During a Doppler ultrasound examination, a technician (sonographer) trained in ultrasound imaging presses a small, soap-sized hand-held device (transducer) against the skin of the area being examined and removes it from an area as needed Move to another area.

This test is an alternative to more invasive tests such as angiography, which involves injecting a contrast agent into the blood vessels so that they can be seen clearly on X-ray images.

Doppler ultrasonography can also help doctors check your arteries for damage or monitor specific treatments for veins and arteries.