WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN UPPER VENOUS
ULTRASOUND?
This test is to evaluate for blood clots in the veins that carry
blood away from the arms.
Upper 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. This pain can be intermittent or constant. WHO ADMINISTERS THE UPPER 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? Painless high frequency sound
waves (ultrasound) are used to image the veins in the neck under the
collarbone, and from the armpit to the elbow. Pressure will be applied to
enable the technologist to get adequate images.
