Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a vascular ultrasound exam?
A: A Vascular Ultrasound Exam looks at blood vessels to determine if there are any areas of narrowing, blockage or clots. Your doctor may request that the blood vessels in your neck, arms, or legs be examined.

Q: How do I prepare for my ultrasound exam?

A: There are various preparations required depending on your exam

• ABDOMEN (includes studies of the GALL BLADDER, PANCREAS, SPLEEN, LIVER, KIDNEYS and AORTA).
  If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after 8 p.m. the night before. If your appointment is in the afternoon, for breakfast you may eat dry toast, black tea, black coffee, juice up to 9 a.m. Nothing to eat or drink after that. These instructions are important as we require you to have an empty stomach.

• PELVIS including TRANSVAGINAL (UTERUS, OVARIES BLADDER) and PREGNANCY (OBSTETRICAL)
  You must have completed drinking 1 hour before your appointment. You must drink 32 oz./1 litre, (4 large glasses) of fluids. This can include coffee, tea, juice, water, etc. not milk. Do not go to the washroom. You must have a full bladder for this examination. We will try to examine you as soon as possible on arrival so that you will not have to be uncomfortable for too long. Eat the meal nearest your examination - There is no reason not to eat.

• ABDOMEN and PELVIS examinations COMBINED
  Do not eat anything 12 hours prior to the examination. Finish drinking 32 oz. (one litre) of water, and ONLY water one hour before your examination. Do not go to the washroom.

• ECHOCARDIOLOGY (HEART), NECK (THYROID), DOPPLER, SCROTUM, BREAST
  No preparation is necessary.

• PROSTATE WITH TRANSRECTAL
  32oz./1 litre, (4 large glasses) of water 1 hour before appointment. Do not go to the washroom. Take mild laxative the evening before. (PROSTATE ONLY OMIT LAXATIVE)

Q: How is a vascular ultrasound exam performed?
A: The technologist will apply a water-based gel to the skin surface in the area being examined. The gel helps to transmit the ultrasound waves. The technologist will guide a transducer over the skin surface to examine the blood vessel.

Q: How is an arterial evaluation performed?
A: If an arterial examination of the arms or legs is ordered, the technologist may use blood pressure cuffs to evaluate the circulation.

Q: Are there any preparations needed for these tests (ie: do I need to fast)?
A: There are no preparations required.

Q: How long does an exam take?
A: Typically, exams usually take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the specific test being requested.

Q: Will it hurt?
A: No.