Evaluate Blood Clots in the Legs at UPMC Susquehanna
A duplex venous leg ultrasound, or doppler ultrasound, is usually done to evaluate patients with symptoms of pain or swelling in the legs, or to determine if a patient has a blood clot. Generally only the affected leg is scanned, however, if a patient is also short of breath, both legs will be scanned.
Blood vessels being scanned are:
- Common femoral
- Greater saphenous
- Femoral
- Popliteal
- Posterior tibial
- Peroneal
To learn more about a leg ultrasound in Williamsport, PA, please Find a Provider at UPMC Susquehanna.
What Happens During a Duplex Venous Leg Ultrasound?
A registered ultrasound technologist will first verify your identity and explain the procedure. You will be escorted into the imaging room and asked to remove your clothing from the waist down and change into a hospital gown. The technologist will position you on your back and will apply a gel to your skin. The gel is water based and will not irritate your skin or stain your clothing. The technologist will then place the transducer on your groin and adjust its position to image from the groin to your ankles.
To evaluate the valves in your blood vessels the technologist will squeeze and press on your leg. This practice allows us to see if there is a blood clot. If you have pain or tenderness this may be uncomfortable. During the procedure you will hear noises from the machine. This is called “Doppler” and it is the sound of the blood flow in your legs. The sound varies throughout the test. After the procedure is complete a board certified radiologist will interpret your scan. The results will be sent to your physician.
Download the procedure information.
Physicians at UPMC Susquehanna specialize in performing diagnostic ultrasounds, like duplex venous leg ultrasounds, in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.