Arterial Colour Doppler Ultrasound

Quick Snapshot of the Test

• Uses harmless sound waves to map blood speed and direction
• Takes 20–40 minutes from check-in to finish
• No radiation, no contrast dye, no fasting in most cases

Why Cadabams Diagnostics for Doppler Scans

• Same-day appointments for urgent symptoms
• ACR-accredited sonographers specialised in vascular imaging
• Instant digital reports sent to your phone and doctor within 2 hours

How Colour Doppler Technology Works

A probe sends high-frequency sound waves through your skin. When these waves bounce off moving red-blood cells, the machine converts the echoes into colour images:

• Red/Blue = direction of flow
• Brightness = speed of flow

Difference Between Colour Doppler and Standard Ultrasound

• Lower Limb Arterial Doppler – from groin to ankle
• Upper Limb Arterial Doppler – from shoulder to wrist
• Carotid & Vertebral Arterial Doppler – neck arteries feeding the brain

• Detect Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) before gangrene sets in
• Evaluate bypass grafts or stents for clogs
• Provide pre-surgical vascular mapping for fistula or flap surgeries

Symptoms That Warrant a Scan

• Leg pain while walking that eases with rest
• Cold or pale feet and hands
• Non-healing ulcers on lower limbs
• Sudden arm or leg weakness

High-Risk Groups

• Diabetics: 2–4× higher PAD risk
• Smokers: nicotine narrows vessels
• Heart patients: atherosclerosis may be widespread

• Painless & Non-Invasive
• Real-Time Imaging & Instant Results
• Cost-Effective vs CT/MR Angiography – up to 50 % less out-of-pocket

• Atherosclerosis & Arterial Stenosis
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – rule-out co-existing clots
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon – assess small-vessel spasms

Fasting & Medication Guidelines

• No fasting for limb studies
• Take all regular meds; bring the list

Clothing & Comfort Tips

• Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up
• Remove jewellery near the scanning site

• Doctor’s referral OR direct booking via Cadabams website
• Previous reports – bring any prior angiograms or Doppler results

• Early morning slots keep diabetic patients in routine
• Same-day scheduling available for acute limb pain or trauma

• Age: New-borns to 100 + years
• Pregnancy: Safe at all trimesters; no special precautions

1. Check-in at reception with ID
2. Change into gown if needed
3. Lie on the exam table; gel applied to skin
4. Sonographer moves probe along arteries
5. Listen to “whooshing” sounds in real-time
6. Wipe gel, get dressed
7. Receive preliminary report before leaving

• Inform staff about pacemakers, open wounds, or skin infections
• Avoid nicotine and caffeine 2 hours prior—they constrict vessels and may skew results

Potential Limitations

• Obesity: sound waves weaken in deeper tissues
• Severe calcifications: may shadow narrowings

No Radiation – Safety Profile Explained

Unlike CT angiography, this scan uses zero ionising radiation, making it safe for:

• Pregnant women
• Children
• Repeat follow-ups