Doppler Ultrasound
Questions and Answers
What is it?
A machine that sends and receives a
sound signal to and from the blood
vessel
What does this tell the nurse?
How much of your blood supply is
reaching your feet. It is the difference
between the pressure of the arteries in
your arm and in your legs
Why are both arms and legs tested?
Because it tells the nurse the difference
between the artery pressures in the top
half of the body and the legs. Each leg
may give a different reading.
Does the nurse use syringes or
needles?
No
What does the machine look like?
It is a hand-held machine, about the
size of a television remote control; a
microphone inside picks up the sound.
How long does the test take?
Including time to rest, it can take
between 30 and 60 minutes, although
this can vary
Will I need to undress?
You need to wear loose clothing on your
arms and legs and you will be asked to
take off your shoes, socks, tights or
stockings.
How is the test done?
To get the best results, you will be asked
to lie quietly, as flat as you are able, for
15–20 minutes before the test. A blood
pressure cuff is applied to each of your
limbs in turn:
On the arms it is placed just
above the elbows.
On your legs it is placed just
above the ankles.
A small ‘blob’ of jelly will be put
on the inside elbow on each arm
and the ankles on each leg.
The end of the Doppler machine is
put on the jelly to pick up the
sound.
The blood pressure cuff will be
pumped up (this may feel quite
tight for a short period).
The blood pressure cuff will be
slowly let down again. You may
hear your own heart beat while
this is being done. This procedure
may be noisy, but this is normal.
What if I have an ulcer on my leg?
If you have an ulcer this will be covered
during the test.
Does it hurt?
It may feel uncomfortable as the cuff
fills with air and presses on the arm or
leg. Padding may be used around your
ankle to make it more comfortable.
What happens with the results of the
test?
The results of the test will help to tell
the nurse which type of treatment,
bandage or stocking you may need.,
therefore alternative footwear may be
required. Your nurse or doctor will
discuss the results with you.
You may need to be referred to a
specialist for more detailed tests.
What happens after the test?
You will be able to carry on with your
normal daily routine.
REFERENCES:
Medline Plus:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency
/article/003775.htm
Royal Free NHS Trust:
http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/pip_admin/d
ocs/doppler_952.pdf
Comments, compliments or
complaints
We welcome any suggestions you have
about the quality of our care and our
services.
Contact us:
Freephone:
0800 1613997
Phone:
01625 661449
Textphone:
01625 663723
Customer Care, Reception,
Macclesfield District General Hospital,
Victoria Road, SK10 3BL
For large print, audio, Braille
version or translation contact
Patient & Public Involvement on
0800 195 494.
Admission information
The trust accepts no responsibility for the
loss of, or damage to, personal property of
any kind, in whatever way the loss or
damage may occur, unless deposited for
safe custody.
Please leave valuables at home. If you need
to bring personal items that are expensive,
for example micro hearing aids, please be
aware that you do so at your own risk
NHS Direct (part of NHS Choices) is a 24 hr phone
advice service providing confidential health advice
and information. Phone: 0845 4647
(Textphone 0845 606 46 47)
www.nhs.uk
East Cheshire NHS Trust is committed to ensuring
that patients and staff will always
be treated with dignity and respect. There will be no
age, disability, gender, race,
sexual orientation or
religious discrimination.
Doppler
Ultrasound:
Stroke Unit
Ward 11
Phone: 01625 661011
Macclesfield District General
Hospital
www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
@eastcheshirenhs
Ref: 11399 Review: 04/2015