Ultrasound First will perform a DVT ultrasound study to assess for the presence of blood clots in your deep veins. This non-invasive procedure utilizes sound waves to create images and provide valuable information about your venous health. Here’s what you can expect during your DVT ultrasound study with Ultrasound First:
- Preparation: No special preparation is typically required for a DVT ultrasound study. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual.
- Procedure: You will lie down on an examination table, and a skilled ultrasound technician from Ultrasound First will apply gel to the area being examined, typically your legs. The gel assists in the transmission of sound waves. The technician will use a handheld device called a transducer.
- Transducer placement: The technician will gently move the transducer over the area of interest, capturing images of the deep veins in your legs. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your body and bounce back as echoes.
- Image creation: The transducer detects the echoes produced by the sound waves as they interact with your deep veins. These echoes are converted into real-time images displayed on a monitor. The technician will carefully examine these images.
- Blood clot detection: The ultrasound technician will search for any signs of blood clots within the deep veins. They will assess the blood flow and look for characteristic features, such as clot echogenicity or vein dilation, to identify the presence of a DVT.
- Observations: The technician will assess the affected veins and nearby structures, noting the location, extent, and severity of any detected blood clots. They may compare the affected side to the unaffected side for comparison.
- Duration: A DVT ultrasound study typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination.
- Results: After the study, a specialized vascular sonographer or radiologist will review the images and interpret the findings. They will prepare a report for your doctor, who will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment. The ultrasound helps your doctor make a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment options.
A DVT ultrasound study performed by Ultrasound First is a painless and safe procedure, providing valuable insights into the presence and characteristics of blood clots in your deep veins. It assists your healthcare team in making informed decisions about your venous health and guiding appropriate treatment if necessary.