Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

A carotid ultrasound is ordered to evaluate the carotid arteries for narrowing, or stenosis, a condition that substantially increases the risk of stroke. This test maybe ordered on patients with known coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, advanced age, high cholesterol, symptoms of transient ischemic attack (mini strokes), family history of stroke, or if a carotid bruit is heard with a stethoscope on exam.

Pre and post instructions

Pre instructions:
No preparation needed. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound. An open necked shirt or blouse is ideal. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined

There are no post instructions

What to expect:
For most ultrasound exams, you are laying face-up on an exam table. A gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The technologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area to be examined. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.