Preparing for a Venous Ultrasound

What is a Venous Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging or sonography uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time so they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. The most common reason for a venous ultrasound exam is to search for blood clots especially in the veins of the leg. Please specify upper or lower extremities and right, left or both.

You may want to order this as a hold and call exam.

How do I prepare for a Venous Ultrasound?

No specific preparation is required. Patient should wear comfortable clothing around the area to be scanned. A gownmay be provided if necessary.

What Happens During the Test?

Our technologist will obtain a medical history. Your patient will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The technician will place a clear gel on the area of concern. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area of interest. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to an ultrasound machine by a cord. The images are readily available to the technologist.

The exam takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.

After the Test

After the exam the gel is wiped off. If your patient does have a DVT, the referring physician will be phoned immediately.

The Results

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to the referring physician within 1 business day.

Which locations offer DVT Ultrasound?

Both our Morganton and Lincolnton locations offer DVT Ultrasound services.