Leg artery ultrasound
leg artery Doppler · arterial duplex scan of the legs · leg Doppler
The doctor uses a probe to look at the arteries in your legs and check how blood flows through them. It is safe and uses no radiation.
For calf pain when walking, cold or pale feet, leg wounds that heal poorly, diabetes, or smoking.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Preparation. No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Smoking. Try not to smoke for at least 2 hours before the scan. Smoking narrows the blood vessels.
- Clothing. Wear something comfortable. You will need to take off your pants and socks. Best to skip tights.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past vascular ultrasound reports and surgery discharge papers
- A towel or tissues, if you like
How it goes
- You take off your pants and lie on your back
- Sometimes your blood pressure is measured first on your arms and ankles
- Gel is put on your skin
- The doctor moves the probe from your groin down to your foot, then checks the other leg
- Sometimes you are asked to lie on your belly so the vessels behind the knee can be checked
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and light pressure from the probe
- A pulsing sound from the machine. This is normal
- A blood pressure cuff may squeeze your leg for a few seconds
Afterwards
- The gel is wiped off with a tissue
- You usually get the report right away
- You can go back to your day right away
Contact a doctor straight away if
- If a leg suddenly turns cold, pale, very painful, or numb, do not wait for the scan. Call emergency services
Common questions
How is an artery ultrasound different from a vein ultrasound?
Arteries carry blood to the leg, and veins carry it back. These are different scans. Your referral says which one you need.
Do I need to prepare for a leg vessel ultrasound?
No. Just do not smoke for a couple of hours before the scan.