An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. A venous duplex ultrasound is an ultrasound that looks at the flow of blood through the veins in the arms or legs.

The test may be used for the following reasons:

There are no major complications associated with this procedure.

No special preparation is needed for this test.

You will be asked to lie on a table. Gel will be placed on the skin of your arm or leg, over the veins being tested.

The ultrasound machine has a hand-held instrument called a transducer, which looks like a microphone or wand. The transducer is pushed against your skin where the gel was applied. The transducer sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off structures in the body and echo back to the transducer. The echoes are converted to images that are shown on a screen. The doctor examines the images on the screen. He may make a photograph of them as well.

The technologist may push the probe firmly or softly against your skin in order to better see the vein and to see if it collapses under pressure.

You can get dressed and go home. Follow your doctor’s recommendations.

The length of the test varies, depending on your situation. In most cases, it will take between 15-45 minutes.

In general, this test is not painful. You may feel some mild discomfort as pressure is applied to your arm or leg.

A radiologist, cardiologist, or vascular surgeon will read the images. The test results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will notify you of the results and provide you with recommendations.

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Last Reviewed December 2012