MHVI Owners Manual . Diagnostics . Vascular Studies

Arterial Duplex Study
An arterial duplex study is a diagnostic test that is performed to examine the arteries that supply blood to your head, arms, and legs. This test uses high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to produce pictures of the arteries being tested.

This study is done in either the outpatient or inpatient vascular lab by a vascular technologist and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. If your doctor orders an arterial duplex study for you, you will receive additional information when the test is scheduled.

Venous Duplex Study
A venous duplex study is a diagnostic test that is performed to examine the veins in your neck, arms, and legs. This test uses high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to produce pictures of the veins being tested. Your doctor uses the venous duplex study to evaluate how well your veins are able to bring blood from your extremities back to your heart. This test also helps your doctor examine veins for blood clots and sometimes to evaluate their suitability for use in bypass surgery.

Your doctor uses the arterial duplex study to determine if there are any blockages in these arteries. This test will help determine the location and severity of these blockages. It may also be used to help monitor the progress of patients who have already been diagnosed with arterial disease.

This study is done in the outpatient or inpatient vascular lab or in the radiology department and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. It is performed by a vascular technologist. If your doctor orders a venous duplex study for you, you will receive additional information about the testing procedure when the test is scheduled.

Abdominal Duplex Study
An abdominal duplex study is a diagnostic test that is performed to examine the arteries and veins in your abdomen. This test uses high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to produce pictures of the veins and arteries being tested. Your doctor uses the abdominal duplex study to identify the presence, severity, and location of any blockages that may be in these vessels. It also helps your doctor determine whether or not the organs located in your abdomen, such as the liver, intestines, or kidneys, are receiving an adequate blood supply. During an abdominal duplex study, a flat disc, called a probe, is placed on the skin over the area to be tested. The probe sends and receives sound waves that produce pictures of the abdominal vessels and organs. This study is done in the outpatient or inpatient vascular lab by a vascular technologist and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. There is no pain associated with this test. If an abdominal duplex study is ordered for you, you will receive additional information and instructions when the test is scheduled.