Doppler Study

Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure blood flow through your arteries and veins that supply blood to your arms and legs.

There are different types of Doppler ultrasound examinations. They include:

Color Doppler. By using a computer this test converts sound waves into different colors. These different colors show the speed and direction of blood flow in real-time.

Power Doppler: A new type of color Doppler, it provides more detail on blood flow than a standard color Doppler but cannot show the direction of blood flow, which is important in some cases.

Spectral Doppler. This test shows blood flow information on a graph rather than colored images. This helps to show how much of the blood vessel is blocked.

Duplex Doppler. This test uses standard ultrasound to take pictures of blood vessels and organs. The computer then converts the images into a graph, as in the Spectral Doppler.

Continuous-wave Doppler. In this Doppler test, sound waves are sent and received continuously. This allows for a more accurate measurement of blood flowing at a fast pace.

Doppler ultrasound study can help diagnose many conditions, including:

Blood clots

Valves that work poorly in your leg veins, which can cause blood or lymph to pool in your legs (venous insufficiency)

Heart valve defects and congenital heart disease

Blocked artery

Reduced blood circulation in your legs

Inflamed arteries

Narrowing of the artery in your neck