Artery Blood Flow Doppler – Both Limbs
Imaging · Imaging
Available in:Hisar
Available at 1 lab
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₹5,200
About this test
What is an Artery Blood Flow Doppler – Both Limbs?
- A non‑invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the arteries of both legs.
- It measures how fast and how well blood moves through the femoral, popliteal, tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) | Speed of blood during heart contraction |
| End‑Diastolic Velocity (EDV) | Speed of blood during heart relaxation |
| Resistive Index (RI) | Resistance to blood flow in the vessel |
| Ankle‑Brachial Index (ABI) | Comparison of ankle and arm blood pressure |
Why is it done?
- Routine check‑up for people with risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Evaluation of leg pain, cramping, numbness or swelling.
- Monitoring progression or response to treatment in known PAD.
- Screening for arterial blockages before surgery or other procedures.
Early Detection
This test can help identify signs of peripheral artery disease, but it does not diagnose the condition on its own. A doctor interprets the result together with symptoms, history and other tests.
What does an abnormal result mean?
- High velocities or a high resistive index may indicate narrowing or blockage of an artery.
- Low velocities can suggest poor blood supply or severe arterial disease.
- Many factors such as hydration, recent exercise, medications (e.g., vasodilators) and body position can affect the numbers.
Who might be advised to get this test?
- Adults over 50 with smoking history, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Anyone with unexplained leg pain, numbness, or skin changes.
- Patients scheduled for vascular surgery or angioplasty.
Quick Takeaway
An artery Doppler of both limbs is a quick, painless ultrasound that checks how well blood flows in your leg arteries, helping doctors spot early signs of peripheral artery disease.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
Preparation
- No fasting is required for an artery Doppler.
- If you are also scheduled for a fasting blood test, follow the fasting instructions for that test (usually 8–12 hours).
- Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test; normal daily activities are fine.
- Stay well‑hydrated; drink water as usual.
- Bring a list of all current medications; inform the technician if you are on vasodilators or anticoagulants.
Procedure
- The test takes about 20–30 minutes.
- You will lie on a table and a gel is applied to the skin over the legs.
- A handheld probe (transducer) is moved along the arteries; you may feel a gentle tapping sensation but no pain.
- The technician records the velocity and resistance values.
After the Test
- No special care is needed; you can resume normal activities.
Final Note
Please confirm the specific preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Sample type: Imaging
Report parameter guide
Peak Systolic Velocity
Maximum speed of blood during heart contraction
Low: may indicate narrowed or blocked artery
High: may indicate high blood pressure or increased cardiac output
End Diastolic Velocity
Speed of blood at the end of heart relaxation
Low: may indicate severe arterial blockage or low cardiac output
High: may indicate high blood pressure or increased cardiac output
Resistive Index
Ratio of peak systolic to diastolic velocity, reflecting downstream resistance
Low: may indicate low resistance such as arteriovenous malformation or severe stenosis
High: may indicate high resistance such as severe arterial narrowing or peripheral vascular disease
Pulsatility Index
Measure of blood flow variation during cardiac cycle
Low: may indicate low resistance or severe arterial blockage
High: may indicate high resistance such as severe stenosis or peripheral vascular disease
Flow Volume
Total amount of blood passing through the artery per minute
Low: may indicate arterial blockage or low cardiac output
High: may indicate high cardiac output or increased blood flow demand
Ankle-Brachial Index
Ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure, assessing peripheral artery disease
Low: may indicate peripheral artery disease or severe blockage
High: may indicate high blood pressure or arterial stiffness