An upper or lower venous extremity ultrasound is done to find out if a patient has a blood clot in their legs or arms. This exam can be done on both legs or arms or a single leg or arm depending on the area of concern. The test uses sound waves.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound (also known as sonography or ultrasonography) is a diagnostic procedure that transmits high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, through body tissues. The echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the internal structures of the body.

Ultrasound images help in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Ultrasound is used to create images of soft tissue structures, such as the gall bladder, liver, heart, kidney, female reproductive organs — and even of fetuses still in the womb. Ultrasound can also detect blockages in the blood vessels.

Ultrasound may be used with other diagnostic procedures or by itself. Studies have shown that ultrasound is not hazardous. There are no harmful side effects. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do.

What is an upper or lower venous extremity ultrasound?

An upper or lower venous extremity ultrasound is done to find out if a patient has a blood clot in their legs or arms. This exam can be done on both legs or arms, or on a single leg or arm, depending on the area of concern.

Test Details

Before the test

The preparation for this test will depend on the type of ultrasound procedure your doctor has ordered. Some preparations include drinking a quart of water before the test to obtain better images. Other preparations may include eating a fat-free dinner the night before the test, or possibly fasting. The doctor, nurse, or receptionist will give you complete instructions prior to the exam.

On the day of the test

You may eat or drink as normal the day of the exam. There is no prep for the exam. Your ultrasound test will be performed by a registered, specially trained technologist and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist.

During the test

You will lie on a padded examining table. A warm, water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined. The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes. A probe is gently applied against the skin; however there will be times that the tech will need to push against the patient with the transducer or squeeze an area.

The ultrasound will take about 60 minutes to complete.

Results and Follow-Up

What happens after an upper or lower extremity venous ultrasound?

After the test

The results of your ultrasound are usually available within 24 hours after your test, Monday through Friday.

Your ordering physician will discuss the test results with you.