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Arms & legs

Upper & lower extremity venous duplex

Checking the deep veins of an arm or leg for a clot.

Venous duplex ultrasound evaluates the veins in an arm or leg for blood clots or obstruction. The sonographer obtains images, assesses blood flow, and applies pressure with the transducer to check vein compression.

What it looks for

  • Whether each vein segment compresses completely
  • Clot in the deep veins of the arm or leg
  • Flow that rises and falls normally with your breathing
  • Whether superficial veins are involved as well as deep ones

Step by step

What to expect.

View the exam animation or select a stage to learn more.

VEINARTERYVEIN FLATTENSARTERY HOLDSFLOW WITH BREATHING

Interactive walkthrough

Step 1 of 4

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Exam information

Common questions.

Additional information about the procedure and your visit.

Why is pressure applied?

The sonographer applies pressure at intervals to assess how the vein compresses. This is part of the evaluation for a blood clot and may cause discomfort over tender areas.

What if an area is tender?

Let the sonographer know about pain or tenderness before and during the exam so it can be considered when positioning the limb and applying pressure.

How will I receive my results?

A clinician reviews the images and measurements to prepare a report. The practice will publish its results and report-delivery process before appointments become available.

Getting ready

Before you come in.

Often no special preparation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Instructions sent with your appointment take priority over anything on this page, even where the two differ.

Afterwards

When it is over.

The gel is wiped off, and most patients go straight back to their usual activities with no recovery time and no restrictions.

The practice will publish who interprets the study and how results are shared after its reporting workflow is approved.

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