Doppler ultrasound

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Doppler ultrasound

A Doppler ultrasound (or duplex scanning) is a medical test that uses reflected sound waves to estimate the speed and direction of blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It helps doctors evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins.

Doppler ultrasound can be used to evaluate several areas of the body. For example, a Doppler ultrasound test of the blood vessels in the neck (carotid ultrasound) can be done to estimate a person's risk of a stroke from blockage in those arteries. Renal ultrasound can help detect kidney problems. Lower extremity ultrasound can be used to detect a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. A Doppler ultrasound also may be used to evaluate problems with the blood flow to the placenta and umbilical cord in a pregnant woman; problems with this blood flow may indicate fetal distress.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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