What is Doppler or Duplex Ultrasound?
A Doppler, or Duplex ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It helps doctors evaluate blood flow through the major arteries and veins of the neck, arms and legs. It can show narrowing or blockage through the major arteries of the neck that could cause a stroke. It can reveal blood clots in leg veins (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) that could break loose and block blood flow to the lungs (blood clot in the lung, or pulmonary embolism). Doppler can be used to evaluate blood flow to the liver, kidneys, testicles and ovaries, and is used to evaluate the heart beat of a fetus.
