Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
Sonography
DOPPLER ABDOMEN scans the major blood vessels inside the abdomen, most often the aorta, the body's largest artery, rather than any limb vessel. The scan checks the width of the aorta along its length, since an abnormally widened section, called an aneurysm, is one of the main things this test looks for, along with narrowing or turbulent flow in the abdominal vessels. This is unrelated to the limb Doppler studies in this catalogue: those look at arm or leg circulation, while this one looks at the vessels running through the abdomen itself. Your doctor might order it after finding a pulsing mass on examination, to investigate unexplained abdominal pain, or as a screening test in people with risk factors.
The scan measures the diameter of the abdominal aorta and the pattern of blood flow through it and nearby abdominal vessels, checking for an aneurysm, narrowing, or turbulent flow. An aorta measuring around 30mm or more across is generally considered enlarged.
The abdominal aorta is the main artery running from the chest down through the abdomen, branching off to supply the organs and legs. When part of its wall weakens and balloons outward, that's called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and ultrasound is the usual first test used to check for one.
Doppler ultrasound measures the aorta's width at several points along its course. A section around 30mm or wider is generally considered aneurysmal. The scan also looks at how blood moves through the vessel, since turbulent or unusually fast flow can point to narrowing elsewhere in the abdominal vessels.
Guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound check for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, since this group carries a higher risk. Outside that specific screening context, your doctor may also order this scan after feeling a pulsing mass in the abdomen on examination, or to investigate unexplained abdominal or back pain.
This scan is entirely separate from the arm and leg Doppler studies in this catalogue. It doesn't examine limb circulation at all; the vessels it checks run through the abdomen itself.
Because it uses sound waves rather than X-rays, this scan carries no radiation dose, which matters if repeat scans are needed to monitor a finding over time.
It checks the abdominal aorta and nearby major abdominal vessels, looking mainly for an aneurysm, an abnormal widening of the vessel wall, as well as narrowing or unusual flow patterns.
No. This scan looks at vessels running through the abdomen, mainly the aorta, and has nothing to do with arm or leg circulation, which the limb Doppler studies cover instead.
A section of the aorta measuring around 30mm or wider is generally considered enlarged. Your doctor will explain what your specific measurement means for you.
US screening guidance recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound check for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. Outside that group, your doctor may still order it for other reasons, like a pulsing mass felt on examination.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
No. It uses sound waves, not X-rays, so there's no radiation dose, which is useful if the scan needs to be repeated to track a finding over time.
It's generally painless. You'll feel the probe and gel moving across your abdomen, and you may be asked to hold your breath briefly at points for a clearer image.
There's no single preparation instruction that applies to everyone. Ask your doctor or the centre directly what they'd like you to do beforehand.