ANKLE TO BRACHIAL INDEX “ABI”
An ankle to brachial index or “ABI” measures your blood pressure in both your arms and ankles. Your blood pressure in your ankles is compared to the blood pressure in your arms to screen for peripheral artery disease (blockages or narrowing of the arteries supplying the legs).
Why the Test is Performed: Your physician may have ordered an ankle to brachial index to evaluate leg pain and / or to rule out peripheral artery disease.
Prep: No prep
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your socks and shoes, and to lie on your back during the test. Blood pressure cuffs will be placed around your arms and ankles and inflated. A Doppler transducer will be utilized to record your blood pressure in both arms and both ankles. The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You may resume your normal activities upon complete of the test.
An ankle to brachial index or “ABI” measures your blood pressure in both your arms and ankles. Your blood pressure in your ankles is compared to the blood pressure in your arms to screen for peripheral artery disease (blockages or narrowing of the arteries supplying the legs).
Why the Test is Performed: Your physician may have ordered an ankle to brachial index to evaluate leg pain and / or to rule out peripheral artery disease.
Prep: No prep
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your socks and shoes, and to lie on your back during the test. Blood pressure cuffs will be placed around your arms and ankles and inflated. A Doppler transducer will be utilized to record your blood pressure in both arms and both ankles. The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You may resume your normal activities upon complete of the test.
AORTA DUPLEX SCAN
An Aorta Duplex Scan is a test which utilizes sound waves to image the aorta (main blood vessel leading away from the heart). The size of the aorta is measured during this test. Your physician may order this test due to a known or suspected aneurysm (a weak area in the wall of the artery that expands or bulges).
Prep: Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before the test. Do not smoke or chew gum. If you are diabetic, you may have a light breakfast and take your insulin. You should take your medications with small sips of water.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist and will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the testing. Utilizing a probe, the technologist will scan your abdomen to obtain different views of your aorta.
The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You may resume your normal activities following the test.
CAROTID ARTERY DUPLEX SCAN
A Carotid Artery Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image blood flow to your brain examining your carotid arteries for carotid artery stenosis (blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain).
Prep: No prep
What to Expect: You will be asked to lie on your back during this test and may be asked to change positions during the test. The sonographer will utilize a probe on your neck obtaining different views of your carotid arteries. This test will complete in 30 to 45 minutes. You may resume your normal activities following the test.
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An echocardiogram utilizes sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture is more detailed than a standard x-ray image. An echocardiogram does not expose you to radiation. The test records echoes of sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart. Still pictures are also taken. A Doppler echocardiogram records the motion of blood through the heart.
What to Expect: A trained sonographer performs the test. A heart doctor (cardiologist) interprets the results. An instrument called a transducer is placed on your ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. This device releases high-frequency sound waves. Images will be taken at other locations as well, including underneath and slightly to the left of your nipple and in the upper abdomen.
An echocardiogram allows doctors to see the heart beating. It also shows the heart valves and other structures.
Prep: There is no prep for this test.
Why the Test is Performed: This test is done to evaluate the valves and chambers of the heart from the outside of your body. The echocardiogram can help detect:
GROIN DUPLEX SCAN
A Groin Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to the arteries in your groin. This is done after a heart catheterization or other interventional procedure when a patient experiences groin pain or swelling following the procedure to rule out pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm – a leak in an artery causing blood to collect). The test may also be ordered due to an abnormal sound (bruit) in your groin arteries.
Prep: No prep.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing for test and will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie on your back during the test and may be asked to change positions during the test. The sonographer will ultrasound your groin to view your arteries. The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you test is negative, you may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL STUDY (LEA)
Arterial Doppler of Upper or Lower Extremities
An Arterial Doppler study shows blocked or reduced blood flow through the major arteries of your arms and legs. Your doctor may order this test if you have:
Before your test:
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your test. The test will last approximately 60–90 minutes.
During your test:
After the test:
You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
LOWER EXTREMITY VENOUS STUDY (LEV)
A Venous Doppler test is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to create a picture of your blood flow. The most common use of this test is to search for blood clots. It’s also commonly used for people with varicose veins.
Your doctor may order this test if you have leg pain or swelling, or if you have had a previous history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Left untreated, these blood clots can break off and pass into your lungs and potentially cause a pulmonary embolism.
Before your test:
There is no specific preparation for this test. Please allow approximately 30–60 minutes for the test dependent on whether we have scheduled you for testing on one or both legs / arms.
During the test:
After the test:
You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy (electricity) to heat, collapse and seal off the targeted blood vessels.
After using ultrasound to map the course of the vein to be treated, the physician guides a catheter (thin tube) through a small incision into the diseased vein, threading it through the blood vessel into the groin area. Electricity is delivered to a heating element in 20-second pulses, heating and contracting the collagen within the walls of the vein until they shrink and shut down. This process is called ablation. The vein is treated in segments as the catheter is gradually inched back down towards the incision. When the entire vein has been ablated, the blood flow is automatically rerouted through healthier adjacent veins, restoring healthy circulation and reducing swelling. The ablated vein becomes scar tissue and is absorbed by the body.
Pre-procedure instructions:
Post Procedure Instructions:
• Normal activities may be resumed the day after the procedure. Immediately after the
procedure you must walk for 20 minutes. Regular 20 to 30 minute walks should
be done every 2 to 3 hours during the day to prevent a clot and minimize tenderness. This needs to be done for at least the first 5 days. Staying active will help the leg from becoming tight after that.
• You should expect some bruising, soreness, a tight feeling and a “pulling sensation”
in the treated limb, which is all to be expected, for 2 to 3 weeks. You may also feel
a knot or rope in the inner thigh to below the knee. It is the closed vein and will
go away over time. It can take up to 6 months, even a year, for it to disappear
completely.
• There will be liquid that will seep out of the stocking in the areas that were treated
(thigh). It should be clear to pinkish in color. If there is any significant bleeding, please
call our office.
• Remove bandage after 24 hours.
• Showering is not permitted during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Following the
first 24 hours you may shower in cooler than normal water. Please avoid hot baths, hot tubs, swimming saunas and sunlight (including tanning beds) for 2 weeks.
• Compression stockings need to be worn after shower for no less than 48 hours continuously and
then worn for 6 months during the day. After the 6 months they may be removed.
• Please avoid strenuous activity for at least 7 days following the procedure to prevent
the vein from re-opening.
• Please do not apply hot packs or heating pads.
• As with any invasive procedure, problems may develop. If you experience an acute
fever (more than 100º), or severe or worsening pain/swelling, please call our office
at (205)561-2370.
• You will be scheduled for a follow-up Venous Reflux Study within 72 hours of the procedure. You will return for follow-up with your cardiologist in 3 months following the procedure.
Renal Arteriogram
A renal arteriogram is a procedure in which a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery, usually in the arm or groin, allowing the physician to take x-ray pictures of the arteries feeding the blood flow to the kidneys to evaluate for blockages.
(2) a person is having extremely high blood pressures which are difficulty to treat and the suspected cause is a partially blocked renal artery.
(3) a person has had abnormal screening test such as an ultrasound of the renal arteries with suspected blockages.
Prep for the procedure: Do not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. You will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
RENAL ARTERY DUPLEX SCAN
A Renal Artery Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to your kidneys. Your renal arteries will be examined to rule out any renal artery stenosis (blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys).
Prep: You should eat a light supper the night before the test (around 6:00 p.m.). Do not eat or drink anything after this light evening meal. Do not smoke or chew gum after this evening meal. If you are a DIABETIC, you may eat a light breakfast and take your usual insulin dosage. You may take your other medications as prescribed with small sips of water.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the test. Utilizing ultrasound, the sonographer will view your renal arteries, aorta, and kidneys. The test will complete in 1 to 1 ½ hours. You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is mainly used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing in the coronary arteries.
How the Test is Performed:
This test is done at a medical center or health care provider's office.
A resting echocardiogram will be done first. While you lie on your left side with your left arm out, a small device called a transducer is held against your chest. A special gel is used to help the ultrasound waves get to your heart.
Most people will walk on a treadmill. Gradually, about every 3 minutes, you will be asked to walk faster and on an incline. It is like being asked to walk fast or jog up a hill.
In most cases, you will need to walk for around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your level of fitness and your age. Your doctor will ask you to stop:
More echocardiogram images will be taken while your heart rate is increasing, or when it reaches its peak. The images will show whether any parts of the heart muscle do not work as well when your heart rate increases. This is a sign that part of the heart may not be getting enough blood or oxygen because of narrowed or blocked arteries.
VENOUS DUPLEX SCAN
A Venous Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to the veins of your arms or legs. Utilizing ultrasound, the peripheral veins are examined to rule out deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the large veins of the arms or legs).
Prep: No prep.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on shorts. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the test. Utilizing ultrasound, the sonographer will view your peripheral veins. The test will complete in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If your test is negative, you may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
VENOUS REFLUX STUDY
Venous reflux testing with ultrasound is a test utilizing high frequency sound waves to obtain images of veins in the arms or legs and evaluate for reflux. This test is used to determine if there are any problems with the vessels which may result in varicose veins, pain and swelling. The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your arms or legs over the area to be viewed. A painless instrument called a transducer is gently moved across that portion of your body to visualize the inside of the veins.
What to Expect: During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back (if possible), while a trained technologist will record the images made by the ultrasound. The test usually takes less than 45 minutes. Venous reflux testing does not hurt and there are no documented complications from the use of this type of ultrasound. During the test you may hear several strange noises coming from the machine. Do not become alarmed; these noises are actually the sound of blood moving through your body.
PREP: There are no special preparations for this test.
An Aorta Duplex Scan is a test which utilizes sound waves to image the aorta (main blood vessel leading away from the heart). The size of the aorta is measured during this test. Your physician may order this test due to a known or suspected aneurysm (a weak area in the wall of the artery that expands or bulges).
Prep: Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before the test. Do not smoke or chew gum. If you are diabetic, you may have a light breakfast and take your insulin. You should take your medications with small sips of water.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist and will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the testing. Utilizing a probe, the technologist will scan your abdomen to obtain different views of your aorta.
The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You may resume your normal activities following the test.
CAROTID ARTERY DUPLEX SCAN
A Carotid Artery Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image blood flow to your brain examining your carotid arteries for carotid artery stenosis (blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain).
Prep: No prep
What to Expect: You will be asked to lie on your back during this test and may be asked to change positions during the test. The sonographer will utilize a probe on your neck obtaining different views of your carotid arteries. This test will complete in 30 to 45 minutes. You may resume your normal activities following the test.
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An echocardiogram utilizes sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture is more detailed than a standard x-ray image. An echocardiogram does not expose you to radiation. The test records echoes of sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart. Still pictures are also taken. A Doppler echocardiogram records the motion of blood through the heart.
What to Expect: A trained sonographer performs the test. A heart doctor (cardiologist) interprets the results. An instrument called a transducer is placed on your ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. This device releases high-frequency sound waves. Images will be taken at other locations as well, including underneath and slightly to the left of your nipple and in the upper abdomen.
An echocardiogram allows doctors to see the heart beating. It also shows the heart valves and other structures.
Prep: There is no prep for this test.
Why the Test is Performed: This test is done to evaluate the valves and chambers of the heart from the outside of your body. The echocardiogram can help detect:
- Abnormal heart valves
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Congenital heart disease
- Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack
- Heart murmurs
- Inflammation (pericarditis) or fluid in the sac around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Infection on or around the heart valves (infectious endocarditis)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Ability of the heart to pump (for people with heart failure)
- Source of a blood clot after a stroke or TIA
GROIN DUPLEX SCAN
A Groin Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to the arteries in your groin. This is done after a heart catheterization or other interventional procedure when a patient experiences groin pain or swelling following the procedure to rule out pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm – a leak in an artery causing blood to collect). The test may also be ordered due to an abnormal sound (bruit) in your groin arteries.
Prep: No prep.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing for test and will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie on your back during the test and may be asked to change positions during the test. The sonographer will ultrasound your groin to view your arteries. The test will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you test is negative, you may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL STUDY (LEA)
Arterial Doppler of Upper or Lower Extremities
An Arterial Doppler study shows blocked or reduced blood flow through the major arteries of your arms and legs. Your doctor may order this test if you have:
- Numbness and tingling sensations in your hands, arms, feet and legs
- A feeling of fatigue and heaviness in your arms and legs
- Your doctor thinks you may have a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome
Before your test:
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your test. The test will last approximately 60–90 minutes.
During your test:
- A technologist will put a blood pressure cuff on each of your arms and/or legs. This will show the technologist the blood pressure and pulse for each extremity.
- A continuous wave ultrasound will be performed to assess the arteries for the location and the amount of any narrowing.
- For lower extremities, you may be asked to exercise by walking briefly on a treadmill and to have the blood pressure recordings repeated.
- If you are getting the test because your doctor thinks you may have thoracic outlet syndrome, you will be asked to do some arm movements during the test.
After the test:
You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
LOWER EXTREMITY VENOUS STUDY (LEV)
A Venous Doppler test is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to create a picture of your blood flow. The most common use of this test is to search for blood clots. It’s also commonly used for people with varicose veins.
Your doctor may order this test if you have leg pain or swelling, or if you have had a previous history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Left untreated, these blood clots can break off and pass into your lungs and potentially cause a pulmonary embolism.
Before your test:
There is no specific preparation for this test. Please allow approximately 30–60 minutes for the test dependent on whether we have scheduled you for testing on one or both legs / arms.
During the test:
- Gel will be applied to the skin over the extremity to be examined.
- A transducer (a small device that produces sound waves) will be pressed against the skin to record the images.
After the test:
You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy (electricity) to heat, collapse and seal off the targeted blood vessels.
After using ultrasound to map the course of the vein to be treated, the physician guides a catheter (thin tube) through a small incision into the diseased vein, threading it through the blood vessel into the groin area. Electricity is delivered to a heating element in 20-second pulses, heating and contracting the collagen within the walls of the vein until they shrink and shut down. This process is called ablation. The vein is treated in segments as the catheter is gradually inched back down towards the incision. When the entire vein has been ablated, the blood flow is automatically rerouted through healthier adjacent veins, restoring healthy circulation and reducing swelling. The ablated vein becomes scar tissue and is absorbed by the body.
Pre-procedure instructions:
- Please arrange for someone to drive you to the office and home.
- Please fill the prescriptions given to you today for Valium and Tramadol but do not take either until instructed to do so after arriving at the office on procedure day.
- Please take all of your regular medications as instructed, including Coumadin (Warfarin), unless your doctor specifically asks you to stop the Coumadin.
- If you are wearing compression hose, remove them 3 days prior to your procedure. You will be instructed to wear them beginning 2-3 days after the procedure for at least two weeks.
- Do not shave or apply lotion to your legs 48 hours before your procedure.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes to your appointment.
- Eat a good breakfast/lunch the day of your appointment.
- Drink 32 oz of water starting at 5 PM the day before your procedure but avoid caffeine.
- Please be prepared to spend 1-2 hours in our office. Though the procedure does not last the entire time, it allows time to prepare you pre-operatively and post-operatively.
- We will call you the day before the appointment to confirm your arrival time.
Post Procedure Instructions:
• Normal activities may be resumed the day after the procedure. Immediately after the
procedure you must walk for 20 minutes. Regular 20 to 30 minute walks should
be done every 2 to 3 hours during the day to prevent a clot and minimize tenderness. This needs to be done for at least the first 5 days. Staying active will help the leg from becoming tight after that.
• You should expect some bruising, soreness, a tight feeling and a “pulling sensation”
in the treated limb, which is all to be expected, for 2 to 3 weeks. You may also feel
a knot or rope in the inner thigh to below the knee. It is the closed vein and will
go away over time. It can take up to 6 months, even a year, for it to disappear
completely.
• There will be liquid that will seep out of the stocking in the areas that were treated
(thigh). It should be clear to pinkish in color. If there is any significant bleeding, please
call our office.
• Remove bandage after 24 hours.
• Showering is not permitted during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Following the
first 24 hours you may shower in cooler than normal water. Please avoid hot baths, hot tubs, swimming saunas and sunlight (including tanning beds) for 2 weeks.
• Compression stockings need to be worn after shower for no less than 48 hours continuously and
then worn for 6 months during the day. After the 6 months they may be removed.
• Please avoid strenuous activity for at least 7 days following the procedure to prevent
the vein from re-opening.
• Please do not apply hot packs or heating pads.
• As with any invasive procedure, problems may develop. If you experience an acute
fever (more than 100º), or severe or worsening pain/swelling, please call our office
at (205)561-2370.
• You will be scheduled for a follow-up Venous Reflux Study within 72 hours of the procedure. You will return for follow-up with your cardiologist in 3 months following the procedure.
Renal Arteriogram
A renal arteriogram is a procedure in which a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery, usually in the arm or groin, allowing the physician to take x-ray pictures of the arteries feeding the blood flow to the kidneys to evaluate for blockages.
- There are several reasons a person might have a peripheral arteriogram, and these include:
(2) a person is having extremely high blood pressures which are difficulty to treat and the suspected cause is a partially blocked renal artery.
(3) a person has had abnormal screening test such as an ultrasound of the renal arteries with suspected blockages.
Prep for the procedure: Do not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. You will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
- What is patient expected to do during the procedure? Prior to the procedure, you will be given a sedative causing drowsiness in order to relax you; however, we will be able to arouse you should it be necessary. The area where the catheter will be inserted is numbed with a local anesthetic and the catheter is inserted.
- Risks: Complications from this procedure are rare, and the risk of death is very low. Possible risks include: (1) allergic reaction to the dye which can be treated with medicine; (2) damage to the kidneys from the dye; (3) irregular heart rhythms which can be treated with medicine; (4) bleeding can occur at the site where the catheter is inserted; (5) although uncommon, blood clots can form around the catheter or clumps of plaque can be knocked loose from the walls of the arteries during the procedure and can trigger a heart attack or a stroke
- Post procedure instructions/limitations: Refrain from heavy lifting, greater than 5 pounds, for approximately 1 week following the procedure due to possible bleeding from the site where the catheter was inserted. To avoid infection, do not take a tub bath until the site where the catheter was inserted is healed. You can usually return to your normal activities over approximately 1 week.
- When to call your cardiologist: You should call your cardiologist immediately and/or return to the emergency department immediately if you experience persistent numbness or coolness of the affected extremity; if you experience acute onset of chest pain and/or shortness of breath; or if you experience rapid swelling or bleeding at the site where the catheter was inserted.
- Miscellaneous: Please follow all the instructions that your healthcare provider gives you.
RENAL ARTERY DUPLEX SCAN
A Renal Artery Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to your kidneys. Your renal arteries will be examined to rule out any renal artery stenosis (blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys).
Prep: You should eat a light supper the night before the test (around 6:00 p.m.). Do not eat or drink anything after this light evening meal. Do not smoke or chew gum after this evening meal. If you are a DIABETIC, you may eat a light breakfast and take your usual insulin dosage. You may take your other medications as prescribed with small sips of water.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the test. Utilizing ultrasound, the sonographer will view your renal arteries, aorta, and kidneys. The test will complete in 1 to 1 ½ hours. You may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is mainly used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing in the coronary arteries.
How the Test is Performed:
This test is done at a medical center or health care provider's office.
A resting echocardiogram will be done first. While you lie on your left side with your left arm out, a small device called a transducer is held against your chest. A special gel is used to help the ultrasound waves get to your heart.
Most people will walk on a treadmill. Gradually, about every 3 minutes, you will be asked to walk faster and on an incline. It is like being asked to walk fast or jog up a hill.
In most cases, you will need to walk for around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your level of fitness and your age. Your doctor will ask you to stop:
- When your heart is beating at the target rate
- When you are too tired to continue
- If you are having chest pain or a change in your blood pressure that worries the provider administering the test
More echocardiogram images will be taken while your heart rate is increasing, or when it reaches its peak. The images will show whether any parts of the heart muscle do not work as well when your heart rate increases. This is a sign that part of the heart may not be getting enough blood or oxygen because of narrowed or blocked arteries.
VENOUS DUPLEX SCAN
A Venous Duplex Scan utilizes sound waves to image the blood flow to the veins of your arms or legs. Utilizing ultrasound, the peripheral veins are examined to rule out deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the large veins of the arms or legs).
Prep: No prep.
What to Expect: You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on shorts. You will be asked to lie on your back and may be asked to change positions during the test. Utilizing ultrasound, the sonographer will view your peripheral veins. The test will complete in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If your test is negative, you may resume your normal activities immediately following the test.
VENOUS REFLUX STUDY
Venous reflux testing with ultrasound is a test utilizing high frequency sound waves to obtain images of veins in the arms or legs and evaluate for reflux. This test is used to determine if there are any problems with the vessels which may result in varicose veins, pain and swelling. The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your arms or legs over the area to be viewed. A painless instrument called a transducer is gently moved across that portion of your body to visualize the inside of the veins.
What to Expect: During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back (if possible), while a trained technologist will record the images made by the ultrasound. The test usually takes less than 45 minutes. Venous reflux testing does not hurt and there are no documented complications from the use of this type of ultrasound. During the test you may hear several strange noises coming from the machine. Do not become alarmed; these noises are actually the sound of blood moving through your body.
PREP: There are no special preparations for this test.