Vascular Tests
WA Cardiology offers the following tests
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Carotid Ultrasound
What is a Carotid Ultrasound?
A Carotid Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to identify narrowing of the arteries, plaque build-up or changes to blood flow in the main arteries of your neck.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on each side of your neck. The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images of your Carotid arteries. From those images, an assessment of your Carotid and Vertebral arteries is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for a Carotid Ultrasound. Eat, drink and take your medication as usual. Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
How long does the test take?
A Carotid Ultrasound takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
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AAA Ultrasound
What is an AAA Ultrasound?
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound (AAA) is a non-invasive test used to measure the width of your Aorta – the main artery in your body. Sometimes, plaque build-up causes the walls of the abdominal aorta to become weak and bulge out like a balloon. An AAA Ultrasound will determine if this has happened and if so, measure the size of the bulge.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your abdomen. The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your aorta. From those images, an assessment of your abdominal aorta is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
You will need to fast for 4hrs NBM (nil by mouth) prior to having an AAA Ultrasound. Drink water as usual. DO NOT fast if you are a Diabetic. Take your medication as usual. Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
How long does the test take?
An AAA Ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes.
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Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound
What is a Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound?
A Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to determine if there is any narrowing in your leg arteries by examining the velocity of blood flow through them.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your lower limb(s). The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images of your lower limb arteries whilst gently squeezing your calf. From those images, an assessment of your lower limb arteries is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for a Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound. Eat, drink and take your medication as usual. You will need to remove clothing from your legs, leaving underwear on.
N.B. If you are having a AAA Ultrasound in conjunction with the Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound, then you will need to fast for 4hrs NBM (nil by mouth) prior. Drink water as usual. DO NOT fast if you are a Diabetic. Take your medication as usual. Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
How long does the test take?
A Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
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Lower Limb DVT Ultrasound
What is a Lower Limb DVT Ultrasound?
A Lower Limb DVT Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to look for blood clots, especially in the veins of the legs.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your legs. The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images of your lower limb arteries whilst gently squeezing your calf. From those images, an assessment of the blood flow in your lower limb arteries is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for a Lower Limb DVT Ultrasound. Eat, drink and take your medication as usual. You will need to remove clothing from your legs, leaving underwear on.
How long does the test take?
A Lower Limb DVT Ultrasound takes approximately 60 minutes.
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Lower Limb Venous (Varicose Vein) Ultrasound
What is a Lower Limb Venous (Varicose Vein) Ultrasound?
A Lower Limb Venous (Varicose Vein) Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to diagnose suspected venous insufficiency.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your lower limb(s). The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images of your lower limb arteries whilst gently squeezing your calf. From those images, an assessment of the deep and superficial vein blood flow is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for a Lower Lim Venous (Varicose Vein) Ultrasound. Eat, drink and take your medication as usual. You will need to remove clothing from your legs, leaving underwear on.
How long does the test take?
A Lower Limb Venous (Varicose Vein) Ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes-90 minutes.
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Renal Doppler Ultrasound
What is a Renal Doppler Ultrasound?
A Renal Doppler Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to measure the blood flow through the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your abdomen. The Sonographer will use a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images of your arteries on your abdomen and ribcage. From those images, an assessment is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
You will need to fast for 8hrs NBM (nil by mouth) prior to having a Renal Doppler Ultrasound. DO NOT fast if you are a Diabetic. To ensure your kidneys are well hydrated for the ultrasound, you must drink plenty of water prior to your test appointment so that your bladder is full. Take your medication as usual. Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
How long does the test take?
A Renal Doppler Ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes.
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Ovarian Veins Ultrasound
What is an Ovarian Veins Ultrasound?
An Ovarian Veins Ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to examine the ovarian veins (which allow blood to flow backwards into the pelvis instead of towards the heart) and determine if they are competent or incompetent.
How does it work?
Ultrasound gel will be placed on your abdomen. Through the gel, the sonographer will run a small hand-held device that emits sound waves to produce images around the front and side of your abdomen. From those images, an assessment is made and then reviewed by a Vascular Surgeon.
How do I prepare for the test?
You will need to fast for 8hrs NBM (nil by mouth) prior to having an Ovarian Veins Ultrasound. Drink water as usual. DO NOT fast if you are a Diabetic. Take your medication as usual. Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
How long does the test take?
An Ovarian Veins Ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes.
