Arterial Legs + ABI

Peripheral arterial Doppler ultrasound (arterial legs) uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood flow of arteries in the legs, from the groin to the ankle. If blood flow is compromised, it could produce symptoms such as cramping of the leg muscles.

This exam includes an ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement, which compares the blood pressure in your arm to the pressure at your ankle. It helps determine how well your blood is flowing from your heart to your feet. On occasion, a toe brachial index (TBI) measurement may be required to take additional blood pressure readings at the toes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• We will provide you with a pair of comfortable shorts to wear during the exam.
• You will be asked to lie on your back and blood pressure cuffs will be placed on both arms and both ankles.
• The blood pressure cuffs will inflate so the sonographer can take blood pressure readings. The cuffs may become tight but only for a few seconds.
• During the exam your sonographer will listen to your blood flow, so you will hear what sounds like your heartbeat. This is the blood moving through the artery and each artery checked has a slightly different sound.
• A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will then be applied to the area being scanned for the ultrasound. Usually both legs are scanned.
• A series of images is acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the arteries.
• We can also assess the function of a bypass graft or stent that has been surgically placed inside a blood vessel to improve blood flow.
• The radiologist reviews the images and measurements, and your doctor will receive a comprehensive report on the status of your arteries.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.