Diagnosing issues with the limbs can be challenging, but fortunately, vascular ultrasound safely diagnoses your limbs. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that produce inaudible echoes that can be recorded in video or photographic images. You should contact experts in vascular ultrasound in Brooksville who can diagnose vascular diseases and conditions. Here is what to expect from a vascular ultrasound exam.
It Is a Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tool
Ultrasound is a duplex study used to examine the blood circulation in the legs and arms, and your doctor will not use dyes, radiation, anesthesia, or needles. Thus it leads to less harm as the diagnostic procedure utilizes sound waves transmitted to the body tissues. The sound waves will reflect off the blood cells moving in the veins, making it possible to calculate the blood speed. The sound echoes are recorded and used to create an image and video of the body part.
Why Do You Need The Test?
Your doctor will recommend a vascular ultrasound to evaluate blood flow to organs like the arms and feet. It may evaluate blood to the arms and legs, especially if the legs are swollen. Moreover, the diagnostic tool can show blood flow to newly transplanted organs like the kidney. The test can show the severity and specific location of a narrowed blood vessel.
What to Do Before the Test
Vascular ultrasound takes about an hour, and it would be wise to be at the doctor's office for 15 minutes to complete the registration process. Although there is no special preparation for the test, you will change into the hospital gown and remove all the jewelry. Moreover, it would not be wise to bring your valuable jewelry to the exam room. You can take the normal medications and eat and drink as you would before the exam.
The test will be performed by trained technologists and vascular physicians who interpret the results. The physician will apply a water-soluble gel over the skin, and a small transducer device is used over the gel-coated area. You can experience some discomfort when the doctor applies pressure on the leg.
After the test, the doctor will wipe off the gel on the skin, and you can note that the gel does not stain the clothes. As soon as the doctor generates the video and photographic results, they will offer the best advice on dealing with the condition.
Why You Should Opt For the Procedure
The vascular ultrasound is painless and non-invasive thus is suitable for every patient. Moreover, it is widely available, easy-to-use, and less expensive than other imaging methods. It is extremely safe and does not produce ionizing radiation; thus is widely acceptable. It gives a clear picture of the body tissues and blood vessels that might not appear on the X-ray examination.
Final Thoughts
Vascular blockage and restricted blood flow can cause serious health issues, and it might be difficult to diagnose the location of the blockage. However, you can use vascular ultrasound, which produces echoes converted into a video or picture. The procedure is widely accepted as it is painless, safe, and produces clearer pictures than other imaging tests.
