Peripheral Venous Ultrasound

Peripheral Venous Ultrasound

A peripheral venous ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the veins in your arms or legs.

A peripheral venous ultrasound helps detect:

• deep vein thrombosis, or DVT (blood clot in your deep vein)
• chronic venous insufficiency
• superficial thrombophlebitis
• varicose veins

Common symptoms of venous disease are:

• swelling of the limb
• redness of the limb
• a warm or feverish area over a vein
• tenderness or pain in the limb
• cramping in the legs or hips

• 1) Pre-procedure Instructions 

Take your normal medications on the day of your exam. Do not use oils, powders, or lotions on your legs on the day of your exam. You will be asked to remove your pants and a sheet will be provided.

• 2) During the Ultrasound 

You will lie on your back. Gel will be applied to each of your legs or arms, and an ultrasound transducer (a small, hand-held wand) will be rubbed on your skin in order to obtain images of your blood vessels. You may be asked to change positions in order to obtain images of each vein. The technician will press the transducer on your legs or arms and will squeeze your legs or arms. This can cause slight discomfort for some patients.  A peripheral venous ultrasound generally takes 60-75 minutes to complete.

• 3) Post Procedure

After your test is complete, you may wipe the gel off and return to normal activities immediately. Before you leave, you will be scheduled to receive your results from your physician