How Long Does a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Take?
A Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a crucial test for assessing blood flow in your carotid arteries, the vessels supplying blood to your brain. While the test itself is relatively quick and painless, the entire process can take a bit longer. Understanding the timeframe involved can help you plan your appointment accordingly.
The carotid Doppler ultrasound itself typically takes around 30 minutes. During this time, a technician will carefully apply gel to your neck and use a handheld device to emit sound waves. These waves bounce off your arteries, creating images on a screen that allow for evaluation of blood flow. The technician will analyze the images and Doppler sounds to assess for blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
While the test itself is the core component, there are additional steps involved in your appointment. Before the procedure, you'll likely have a brief consultation with a doctor or technician to discuss your medical history and any concerns you might have. Following the test, the doctor will review the results with you and explain their findings. Depending on the complexity of your case, this consultation might take some additional time. Therefore, factoring in preparation and explanation of results, the entire carotid Doppler ultrasound appointment can take 45 minutes to an hour.
.jpg)