What to Expect During Your Venous Ultrasound Testing

If you have leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, you may have an underlying circulation problem. A venous ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that evaluates blood flow through your veins and helps diagnose conditions such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and blood clots.

The cardiovascular experts at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County in Santa Ana and Newport Beach, California, offer in-house venous ultrasound testing to evaluate circulation and vein health. Here’s what you can expect during this quick and painless procedure.

About your venous ultrasound

A venous ultrasound is an imaging test that evaluates the structure and function of your veins. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of blood flow inside your body. 

You may have a Doppler ultrasound as part of this test. This specialized type of ultrasound measures how well blood moves through your veins and can help identify circulation problems.

A venous ultrasound helps uncover circulatory conditions such as:

• CVI
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Varicose veins

You may need a venous ultrasound if you have symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration. 

Preparing for a venous ultrasound

There’s very little you need to do to prepare for a venous ultrasound. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help make the exam easier, and it’s best to leave valuables at home.

Because the test is noninvasive, there are no needles, injections, or sedation involved, and most people don’t need to fast before the procedure. 

What to expect during the test

A venous ultrasound is simple, safe, and painless. During the procedure, you lie on an exam table while a technician applies a warm gel to your skin. This gel helps the handheld device, called a transducer, move smoothly and improves the transmission of the sound waves.  

The technician moves the transducer over the area of concern, such as your legs or abdomen. The sound waves are sent to a computer that creates images on a monitor in real time.

You may feel slight pressure from the transducer, but the test itself is painless, and most people find it comfortable. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, venous ultrasounds don’t use radiation. 

The test takes less than an hour, and you can resume your normal activities after. 

What your results mean

After your ultrasound, our vascular physician and a radiologist review the images to look for signs of vein disease or blood flow problems.

Normal results

Normal results mean your veins appear healthy, with no signs of blockages or narrowing. The vein valves are functioning properly, allowing blood to flow back toward the heart as it should. 

Deep vein thrombosis 

A DVT diagnosis means the ultrasound detected a blood clot in a deep vein. Prompt treatment is important because the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. 

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency results occur when the vein valves become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, aching, heaviness, and varicose veins.  

Venous insufficiency is common and can have a significant effect on your quality of life.

A venous ultrasound is a quick and effective way to identify circulation problems and guide the right treatment plan. If you have leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration, you may benefit from an evaluation. 

Our team provides comprehensive vein testing and treatment to help improve circulation and relieve symptoms. Call today to schedule your consultation.