Need a USG Color Doppler scan? Read our simple guide to understand the procedure, preparation, and how it helps evaluate blood flow in your body.
Overview
A USG Color Doppler might be ordered if you have had a blood test ordered by your doctor to help ensure that your circulation is working the way it should, or if your leg(s) have been swollen for no apparent reason, or if your arms have had a tingling sensation for no reason. It may sound complex and high tech, but it's one of the simplest and most prevalent tests available. If you've ever been through a regular ultrasound, you know 50% of what you should expect when you will go through USG color Doppler tests.
What is a USG Color Doppler Test?
USG or Ultrasound Color Doppler is somewhat like a regular ultrasound except that it provides a wonderful black and white image of the structures inside your body (such as your organs), plus color information about the blood flow through them. It actually visualizes the flow of blood in the blood vessels through sound waves.
The machine uses different colours (usually red and blue) to distinguish the blood flow and shows the speed and direction of your blood flow in real time. Consider it to be monitoring traffic on a freeway within your body.
What is this scan used for?
A Color Doppler is typically ordered to help diagnose problems with blood vessels and blood flow. Common reasons include:
Blood Clots: Especially Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which can occur in the leg causing swelling or pain.
To find out if the blood flow is narrowed or blocked (because of plaque), and if the narrow or blocked blood flow places a person at risk of heart or stroke disease.
Veins: To look at the valves in the leg vein and find out why they may be 'bulging'.
In Pregnancy: Used sometimes to monitor blood flow to baby, placenta and uterus to ensure a successful pregnancy.
Numbness, cramping or coldness of hands and/or feet.
What is the procedure of USG Color Doppler?
Preparation: In most Doppler tests (e.g., arms, legs, neck) there is no preparation required. Normal eating and drinking is permitted. Note: For an abdominal scan, you may be required to fast for a few hours prior to the scan.
The Process: You will be comfortable on an exam table. The technician will place a warm, clear gel on your skin above the area to be examined. Then they will slowly pass a little instrument (also called a transducer) over the gel.
The Sound: You may hear a rhythmic "whooshing" or pulsing sound from the machine - don't worry! That is all the machine can do, it only translates how much blood you are flowing through your coronary arteries into sound.
Time: The time is about 30-45 minutes per scan, depending on what area you're scanning.
Is USG Color Doppler painful?
A USG Color Doppler is totally non-invasive and painless. Safeguards exist, and no radiation. You’ll only feel the gentle pressure of the wand on your skin, and the wetness of the gel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is Color Doppler Test safe?
Absolutely. It is completely harmless to all people, pregnant women included, and is based on sound waves rather than radiation.
When will I receive the report?
The report for an Ultrasound typically is very fast. Results can be obtained on the same day.
Will the gel have a stain on my clothes?
No, the ultrasound gel is not oil based. Can be easily removed with a tissue and does not stain.
Where to go for the USG color Doppler test in Delhi?
Patients can go to Ganesh Diagnostic Centre for USG color Doppler test in Delhi.
What is the price of USG color Doppler in Delhi?
The average price of USG color Doppler in Delhi is around INR 2,000 and can go up to INR 4,000.
