Varicose Vein Ultrasound Scan

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, ultrasound exams do need an appointment. If you cannot attend your appointment we appreciate it if you can give 24 hours notice.

Do I need a referral letter from my GP to book a scan?

Not always. Often you can attend without a GP referral; however, depending on the ultrasound scan requested, we may require a referral from your GP to ensure the correct ultrasound examination is performed.

What is the preparation for a peripheral venous scan?

There is no preparation for this exam however trousers will need to be removed for the exam to evaluate the legs.

What organs are viewed in the peripheral venous scan?

During this examination, we evaluate common femoral, superficial, and deep femoral, popliteal, greater saphenous, lesser saphenous veins as well as superficial varicosities in the right or left leg or both if indicated.

What can a peripheral venous ultrasound see?

The peripheral venous ultrasound can identify whether the valves at the saphenofemoral junction and the saphenopopliteal junction are competent meaning the valves are closing to prevent backward venous flow (reflux).

What happens during the peripheral venous scan?

The sonographer will have you remove your trousers and ask you to lie on the bed facing up. A transducer/camera is placed on the leg starting at the junction of the leg and hip and the sonographer will scan the leg down to the mid-calf on each side to firstly make sure there are no blood clots. During the exam you may hear a noise like the sound of the wind, this is the venous blood flow within the legs. You will then be required to stand so the Sonographer can look at the superficial veins to check for reflux. The sonographer will sometimes have to squeeze your leg to push the blood toward your heart.

What is the preparation for a peripheral venous scan?

There is no preparation for this exam however trousers will need to be removed for the exam to evaluate the legs.

What veins are viewed in the peripheral venous scan?

During a lower extremity venous ultrasound, we evaluate common femoral, greater saphenous, superficial and deep femoral, popliteal, lesser saphenous veins in the right and left leg when indicated. Varicose veins will be assessed with you standing.

What can a Peripheral venous ultrasound see?

The peripheral venous ultrasound can identify if there are any deep or superficial clots and assess the quality of the blood flow at the long and short saphenous veins to insure the valves are competent preventing reflux. The sonographer will also have to push down on the leg or squeeze in various locations to assess the compressibility of the veins or the competency of the valves.

How long will the exam take?

The scheduled time for this exam is usually 45 minutes - 1 hour for both legs.

Who will report my vascular exam?

After the sonographer has completed your exam the images will be sent to a Consultant Radiologist who will report your scan.

When will I receive my results?

Please note that Sonographers are not permitted to provide verbal results during or after the exam. After the ultrasound images have been thoroughly reviewed by our Consultant Radiologist, the official report will be issued and made available to you and/or your GP, usually within 24-48 hours. We are committed to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your results and appreciate your understanding and patience.