Why have a Comprehensive Ultrasound?
Comprehensive ultrasounds are usually performed in response to concerns over blood circulation in any part of the body. They can be used to assess the risk of strokes and also to test quickly if there is any evidence of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Should there be any evidence found, appropriate measures can be taken immediately to reduce the risk of further clotting.
Who performs the examination?
Ultrasounds are performed by a sonographer, a specialist in medical ultrasound.
What happens during the examination?
In most cases you will be required to remove any clothing that covers the area being examined.
Once in the ultrasound room a sonographer will apply gel to your skin and pass a marker pen shaped instrument over the gelled area. Images of your blood vessels and blood flow should then appear on the screen in front of you. Once the sonographer is satisfied that there are accurate images of all the vessels that are to be examined the examination is over.
The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.
The time taken for this process varies greatly from patient to patient due to varying proximities of the blood vessels. The whole process normally takes around an hour although examinations that take longer are not uncommon.