WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A LOWER VENOUS
ULTRASOUND?
This test is to evaluate for blood clots throughout both legs.
Lower extremity ultrasound exams are used to evaluate peripheral vascular
disease. Peripheral vascular disease affects a large portion of the general
population, more so in patients with known cardiac disease. You may have
talked to your physician about swelling, redness, pain or cramping you are
experiencing when you walk or even while at rest. This pain, redness or
swelling can occur in the calves, thighs and buttocks. This pain can be
intermittent or constant, making it difficult for you to walk distances.
WHO ADMINISTERS THE LOWER VENOUS ULTRASOUND TEST?
A registered vascular ultrasound technologist administers this test.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE?
The total amount of time this test will take is approximately one hour.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TEST?
No preparation is necessary.
WHAT WILL I
EXPERIENCE DURING THE TEST? You will be lying on your back
while painless high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are used to image the
veins in both legs. Images are taken from the groin to the ankle.
Pressure will be applied to enable the technologist to get adequate images.
