A vascular(veins and artery) ultrasound uses Doppler technology to assess the blood flow in veins and arteries to identify blockages, clots and other abnormalities or conditions.
Please select your exam from the below options to find out more about the procedure and the preparation required for your exam.
Renal Artery Stenosis is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. Your doctor may order this exam if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or your doctor suspects this could be the cause of your high blood pressure.
Pureform Procedure
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition you to ensure all needed images are taken. In order to obtain these images, you may have to lay on your side, sit or stand. Breathing techniques may be needed as well. The ultrasound machine will produce noises while taking images, this is normal and is a part of the exam.
Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
This exam requires that you do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your appointment however please take any prescribed medications.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
A liver Doppler Ultrasound assesses the liver and the blood that flows into the liver through the portal veins. This is often ordered if you have a chronic liver condition such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, unusual bloodwork or if you have had a liver transplant.
The Radiologist looks for fluid collection or swelling of the lining of the joints; an indication of inflammation.
Pureform Procedure
After position on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction.
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
For this particular exam the ultrasound machine will produce a sound similar to a heartbeat or a wave. This is assess the flow through the vascular structures and is standard.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam. Please let your booking representative know if you are diabetic. Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
This ultrasound exam shows if there is any plaque, narrowing or blockages of the leg arteries or blood pipes which cause blood flow reduction to the legs, thighs, calves or feet.
Pureform Procedure
You will be comfortably lying down on the bed on your back. The technologist will apply some water based gel on your legs (from groin to feet).
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card. You will be asked to change from the waste down and put on a gown.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
Carotid ultrasound assesses structural details of the carotid arteries to look for blood clots, plaque buildup and other blood flow problems. This exam is used to screen for blockages or narrowing of the carotid arteries that could lead to symptoms of a stroke.
Pureform Procedure
After position on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction (such as clothing and jewelry).
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
This ultrasound examines if there is a Thrombus/Blood clot that has formed in the deep veins in your legs or arms. Your doctor may order this exam if you have pain, redness or swelling in your lower or upper extremities.
Pureform Procedure
You will be comfortably lying down on the bed on your back. The technologist will apply some water based gel on your legs (from groin to feet).
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card. You will be asked to change from the waste down and put on a gown.
When Will I get my Results?
This is considered a STAT or Urgent exam, your doctor who ordered it will receive a report within a couple of hours.