Leg vein ultrasound
leg vein Doppler · venous duplex scan of the legs · leg vein scan
The doctor uses ultrasound to look at the veins in your legs: how blood flows, whether the valves work, and whether there are any blood clots. It is safe and uses no radiation.
For swelling, heavy legs, spider veins and varicose veins, before vein surgery, or if a blood clot is suspected.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Clothing. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off down to your underwear. On this day, take off compression stockings before the scan.
- Skin. Do not put cream on your legs on the day of the scan.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past vein ultrasound reports, if you have them
- A towel to wipe off the gel
How it goes
- You take off your clothes from your legs, down to your underwear
- Part of the scan is done standing. This way the veins fill with blood better
- The doctor puts on gel and moves the probe from your groin down to your foot
- Sometimes the doctor squeezes your leg by hand or asks you to strain
- Then the scan continues while you lie down
What you'll feel
- The gel is cool
- The probe presses a little. It usually does not hurt
- You will need to stand for a few minutes. If you feel dizzy, say so
Afterwards
- The gel is wiped off, and you can go about your day right away
- You usually get the report right away
- Talk about further treatment with your doctor
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood: call emergency services
- One leg suddenly swells, hurts, and turns red
Common questions
Can a vein ultrasound show a blood clot?
Yes. Ultrasound is the main way to find a blood clot in the leg veins.
Why is a vein ultrasound done standing?
When you stand, the veins fill with blood, and the doctor can see where the valves let blood flow backward.