Preparing to see us

It’s important to let us know if you are a diabetic. All patients should continue to take any prescribed medications.

Generally, you don’t need to prepare greatly to see us. However, you might need to give some thought to what you’re wearing on the day of your appointment. For example, if you’re having your abdomen scanned you’ll be more comfortable if you wear clothes that can be easily shifted aside without being removed.

Fasting from food and drink is only required for scans on the arteries that take blood to your kidneys and other abdominal vessels. If you’re unsure which test you’re having, please check with us or your referring doctor.

Lower leg arterial duplex

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with a leg or both legs exposed. Towels are used to protect your privacy and your underwear stays on. The examination can take up to 40 minutes. Main arteries are scanned from the groin to mid-calf. The arteries in the calf may also be checked down to the ankles.

Preparation: No fasting is needed. You should wear clothing and shoes that are easy to remove and put on. Talking during the examination is fine.

Aorto-iliac for aneurysm or occlusive disease

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with his or her abdomen exposed. There’s no need to remove pants or tops. The examination can take up to 20 minutes.

Preparation: No fasting is needed but intestinal gas can make our images less clear. So it helps us if you avoid gassy foods for 24 hours before the exam (foods like lentils, beans, cauliflower and the like). Wear clothes that are easy to adjust to allow us to scan sections of your abdomen. You might be asked to hold your breath for a short time during the exam – please let us know if this will be difficult for you.

Carotid

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with his or her neck exposed. The main arteries are scanned on both sides from the base of the neck to the bottom of the jaw. The operator may push quite firmly at times – please let us know if you experience any pain or discomfort. The exam can take up to 20 minutes.

Preparation: No fasting is required. You should wear a loose or open necked shirt. Talking might affect the imaging so the operator may ask you not to talk at times.

Renal and other abdominal vessels

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with his or her abdomen exposed. There’s no need to remove pants or tops. Wear clothes that are easy to adjust to allow us to view various sections of your abdomen. You might be asked to hold your breath at times. The exam can take up to 40 minutes.

Preparation: We prefer you to fast from food and drink for six hours before the exam. The renal arteries are at the back of the abdomen, so it makes it easier for us if you haven’t eaten. You can have small sips of water and continue to take any medication that has been prescribed.

Upper limb arterial

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with their upper chest, shoulder and arm or arms exposed. Underwear remains in place and we use towels to ensure your privacy. The exam can take up to 40 minutes.

Preparation: No fasting is required. Wear clothes that are easy to remove and put on. Talking during the exam is fine.

Upper limb veins

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with their upper chest, shoulder and arm or arms exposed. Underwear remains in place and we use towels to ensure your privacy. The exam can take up to 40 minutes.

Preparation: No fasting is required. Wear clothes that are easy to remove and put on. Talking during the exam is fine.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient lies on the bed with their leg or legs exposed. Underwear remains in place and we use towels to ensure your privacy. The exam can take up to 40 minutes.

Preparation: No fasting is required. Wear clothes that are easy to remove and put on. Talking during the exam is fine.

Varicose veins

What happens: Ultrasound images are taken while the patient is either standing or tilted in a semi-erect position on a specially designed bed. Legs are exposed. Underwear remains in place and we use towels to ensure your privacy. The main veins are scanned from groin to ankle. We will ask you to breathe in a certain way at times and contract your calf muscles (this tests your valves). The examination can take up to 40 minutes, 20 minutes per limb.

Preparation: No fasting is required. Wear clothes that are easy to remove and put on. Talking during the exam is fine.