Pulse volume recording (PVR)

A PVR study is a non-invasive vascular test in which blood pressure cuffs and a hand-held ultrasound device is used to obtain information about arterial blood flow in the arms and legs. The test is ordered to determine the presence, severity and general location of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Pre and post instructions

Pre instructions:
You may take your medications as usual.
There are no dietary restrictions.
Refrain from smoking at least one hour before test.
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound. You will need to remove all clothing covering your legs.
You will be lying face-up on an exam table with your extremities at the same level as your heart.

There are no post instructions

What to expect:
The technologist will examine your legs and check your pulse at several points. Blood pressure cuffs are placed on both arms and several points on your legs; high thigh, above the knee, at the ankle, and at the foot and toe level. Each cuff is inflated in turning order to measure blood volume in the arteries. Clear gel is applied to the legs to help conduct sound waves. The blood pressure cuffs are tight slightly, and an ultrasound transducer is held against the skin in different locations to measure blood pressure. This test may take 60 to 90 minutes.