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Venous Duplex Ultrasound

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Venous Duplex Ultrasound

(Venous Duplex Study; B-mode Imaging)

Definition

An ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the inside of the body. A venous duplex ultrasound looks at the flow of blood through veins in the arms or legs.

Reasons for Test

The test may be used to:

  • Look for the cause of arm or leg symptoms, such as:
    • Pain
    • Swelling
    • Increased warmth
    • Bulging veins
  • To diagnose:
Deep Vein Thrombosis.

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Possible Complications

There are usually no problems from this test.

What to Expect

Problems To Look Out For

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Symptoms that do not go away or get worse
  • Any new symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Test

Nothing needs to be done before this test.

Prior to Test

Nothing needs to be done before this test.

Description of Test

You will be asked to lie on a table. Gel will be placed on the skin of the arm or leg. It will cover the veins being tested.

The ultrasound machine has a hand-held device. The device will be pushed against the skin where the gel was applied. The device sends sound waves into the body. The waves bounce off structures in the body and echo back to the device. The echoes are made into images that are shown on a screen. The doctor looks at the images on the screen. The doctor may take pictures of them as well.

The device may be pushed firmly or softly against the skin. This is done to see the vein better.

After Test

You can get dressed and go home.

How Long Will It Take?

Usually 15 to 45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

In general, this test is not painful.

Results

The test results will be sent to a doctor who looks at images. Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt.
  • Garcia, R. and Labropoulos, N. Duplex ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute and chronic venous diseases. Surg Clin North Am, 2018; 98 (2): 201-218.
  • Ultrasound—venous (extremities). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/venousus.

Contributors

  • Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.