Vascular ultrasound uses Doppler imaging to answer specific artery or vein questions. It can support appropriate DVT, venous reflux, aortic, arterial and carotid assessment pathways, but it must never delay emergency care for stroke, pulmonary embolism or severe acute symptoms.
Use the examination finder to search the currently listed scan options by symptom, body area or preparation need. The clinic team should confirm the most appropriate examination, preparation and booking pathway before an appointment is made.
An ultrasound scan answers a specific imaging question. It does not replace emergency assessment, urgent maternity care, urgent breast assessment or a wider clinical review where those are needed.
Examination finder
Find the right ultrasound scan
Search by scan category, body area, clinical intent, symptom or preparation need. If you are unsure, book a GP consultation and we will guide you.
Diagnostic ultrasound · Vascular · New
Urgent DVT Ultrasound
leg swelling · leg pain · DVT
Intent: Urgent assessment
Urgent pathwayBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Vascular · New
Venous Reflux Scan
varicose veins · heavy legs · leg swelling
Intent: Monitoring & follow-up
No special preparationBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Vascular · New
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan
AAA · aortic aneurysm · aortic screening
Intent: Preventive screening
FastingBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Vascular · New
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound
leg circulation · peripheral arterial disease · walking pain
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scan
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Ultrasound Pathway TeamPatient information subject to ultrasound and clinical pathway review · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763
Clinical review date: 22 August 2026
View full profileHow to choose the appropriate examination
The best scan depends on the body area, symptoms, pregnancy status, prior results and the clinical question. If you are unsure, start with a private GP or speak to the clinic team before booking.
| Concern or starting point | Possible route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| New one-sided leg swelling, pain, warmth or tenderness | Urgent DVT ultrasound pathway | Chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or coughing blood requires 999. |
| Varicose veins, persistent aching or heaviness | Venous reflux ultrasound pathway | New sudden leg symptoms need urgent assessment for DVT instead. |
| Aortic screening, surveillance or a relevant family-history question | Abdominal aortic ultrasound pathway | Sudden severe abdominal or back pain, collapse or fainting requires 999. |
| A suitable lower-limb circulation question | Arterial duplex ultrasound pathway | A cold, pale, blue or numb limb with sudden severe pain needs 999. |
| A clinically appropriate carotid Doppler question | Carotid Doppler pathway | Sudden facial weakness, speech difficulty or limb weakness requires 999 immediately. |
Preparation and appointment planning
Vascular preparation depends on the scan. Most DVT, venous reflux, arterial and carotid Doppler examinations do not require fasting, while an abdominal aortic assessment usually does. Wear loose clothing that allows access to the relevant area and confirm instructions at booking.
Preparation varies by examination. Confirm the current instructions with the clinic when booking, and bring relevant referral letters, previous reports or test results where available.
When to use an urgent pathway instead
Call 999 for sudden stroke symptoms, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse or severe deterioration. New one-sided leg swelling or pain should be assessed promptly and should not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are worsening.
A routine private scan should never delay emergency or specialist urgent assessment. If you are unsure how urgent a symptom is, use NHS 111 or the appropriate emergency service.
Currently listed examinations in this category
These direct pages provide examination-specific preparation and booking guidance. Further pages are added only after the exact bookable protocol and clinical pathway are confirmed.
Urgent DVT Ultrasound
Urgent assessment route for clinically appropriate new leg-vein symptoms.
Venous Reflux Ultrasound
Venous mapping for suitable chronic leg-vein concerns.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan
Focused aortic ultrasound for an appropriate screening, surveillance or clinical question.
Frequently Asked Questions
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