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Venous Duplex Scan

A venous duplex scan uses sound waves to check how well the veins are returning blood to the heart. This exam can focus on the larger veins in either the upper or lower portion of the body.

An upper extremity scan looks at the veins in your neck and the area from your shoulder to the wrist. Both arms are examined.

The lower extremity scan looks at the veins anywhere from the groin to the ankle. Both legs are examined. The test helps to detect a blockage in blood flow (such as a blood clot) that may cause pain or swelling in the arms or legs.

A venous duplex scan, done in the Vascular Lab, takes about 45 minutes.

Before the Test
There is no special preparation for this test.

Day of the Test

Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Vascular Lab reception desk (Galter Pavilion, 201 E. Huron St., 8th floor) 15 minutes before your test time. Parking is available.

Be sure to bring:

• Written doctor's order for the test
• Insurance card
• Medicare card (Medicare patients only)

For their own safety, children under the age of 16 may not visit the testing area. They may stay in the waiting room with a responsible adult.

During the Test

• With assistance from a technician will assist you in lying on your back on an exam table.
• Depending on what pictures are needed, a warm gel will be applied to the skin.
• Then the tech will move a small hand-held device (transducer) on the skin over the veins being examined. The transducer transmits sound waves to a monitor where the images can be seen and saved for review.
• During the test, you may be asked to take deep breaths. You may see the images on the monitor and hear some sounds as the tech records the blood flow.

After the Test

• The tech will provide towels to help remove the gel.
• If a blood clot is found, your doctor will be notified right away and you will be advised of any needed follow-up care.
• If no clot is noted, you are free to leave once the test is over.
• You may resume your normal diet and activities.
• Most often, initial findings are sent to your doctor within 48 hours. A full report follows in about five business days.

Contact
Vascular Lab
(312) 926-2746

Review Date: 12/04