Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
Sonography
DOPPLER BOTH LIMB ARTERIAL&VENOUS is the widest version of the limb vascular scan in this catalogue, covering arteries and veins on both arms or both legs in one visit. It answers two separate clinical questions at once: whether enough blood is reaching each limb through the arteries, and whether blood is draining back out through the veins without an obstruction. Your doctor reaches for this combined, both-limb version when the picture is broad, for example unclear symptoms affecting more than one limb, or a need to rule out both arterial and venous causes on both sides before deciding next steps. Narrower versions of this scan cover just one vessel type, or just one limb, when the question is more focused.
The scan measures arterial flow into both limbs, checking for narrowing or blockage, and separately checks whether the deep veins in both limbs compress normally and show clear flow, checking for a clot. All four checks, both vessel types on both limbs, are done in the same visit.
Arterial disease and venous disease cause different problems in a limb and need different parts of an ultrasound scan to sort out. Narrowed arteries reduce blood supply reaching the hand or foot; a venous clot blocks blood from draining back out. When both limbs need checking, and the question could reasonably involve either vessel type, combining all four checks into one visit avoids sending a patient back for separate scans.
The arterial part traces flow at matched points on both limbs, comparing left and right for the sharp, pulsing signal expected in a healthy artery. The venous part presses the probe against each vein on both limbs, checking that every one collapses fully under gentle pressure, since a clot-filled vein resists collapsing.
This combined, both-limb scan is ordered when symptoms are broad rather than confined to one limb or one vessel type, such as unclear leg pain and swelling appearing in more than one limb, or before a decision that depends on a full picture of circulation in both limbs.
Every part of this scan, arterial or venous, either limb, uses sound waves rather than X-rays.
It's the only version that covers both vessel types, arteries and veins, on both limbs in a single visit. Narrower versions check just one vessel type, or just one limb, when the question is more focused.
This gets ordered when symptoms are broad rather than clearly pointing to one limb or one vessel type, or when a full circulation picture is needed before a decision, such as before surgery.
The arterial part traces blood flowing into your limbs, looking for narrowing or blockage. The venous part checks whether your veins collapse normally under gentle pressure, looking for a clot blocking blood from draining back out. They test different vessels for different problems.
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.
Yes, checking both vessel types on both limbs takes longer than checking one vessel type or one limb. Ask the centre what to expect for timing on the day.
No. Every part of it, arterial or venous, either limb, uses sound waves rather than X-rays.
No, but you may feel pressure from the probe during the venous compression checks and light pressure during the arterial part. A blood pressure cuff may also be used briefly at some points.
There's no single preparation instruction that fits everyone having this scan. Ask your doctor or the centre what they'd like you to do beforehand.