This test measures blood flow through an artery or vein.
The test is done to find out if certain blood vessel diseases are present. A healthcare professional may order this test if any of the following conditions are suspected: artery blockage, such as from cholesterol buildup injury to blood vesselspoor blood flow or circulationblood clot inside a blood vessel or artificial bypass graft
Clothing is removed from the area under study. Detectors are placed on the skin at specific points over the blood vessel being tested. The detectors use special sound waves that are bounced of the blood vessels and blood inside the vessels. The detectors send the information to a monitor, where it is processed and recorded. This test causes no pain and does not expose people to harmful radiation.
Generally, no preparation is required. A healthcare professional can give any instructions if needed.
Abnormalities in the pattern of blood flow can mean any of several things. Some common causes of abnormalities include: blockage in the arteries, such as from cholesterol buildupblood clotspoor circulation, often due to blood vessel damage from diabetes or other chronic conditionsblockage or blood clots in an artificial bypass graft
