Arterial and venous Doppler scan of the arms or legs
Quick answer: This Doppler ultrasound checks blood flow in both the arteries and veins of a limb, looking for narrowing, blockage or clots. Doctors order it when symptoms such as pain, swelling or colour change could come from either the arteries or the veins.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 45 minutes to an hour
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1You lie on a couch with the limb uncovered, and may also stand for part of it
- 2Gel is spread on the skin and the probe follows the arteries first
- 3The veins are then checked by pressing gently along their length
- 4You may hear the blood flow sounds through the machine
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A sonologist or radiologist reports on the scan, and your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
If the result is outside the usual range
The scan can show narrowing or blockage in the arteries, clots in the veins, or leaky vein valves, which helps tell whether pain, swelling or skin changes come from the arteries, the veins or both.
Who usually has this test
People whose leg or arm symptoms could come from either the arteries or veins, such as leg ulcers, colour change, pain and swelling together.
Risks and aftercare
This scan uses no radiation; some pressure from the probe may be uncomfortable on a sore limb, and there is no special aftercare.
Names and options
Also called: arterial and venous Doppler, limb Doppler, upper limb Doppler
Options
- One limb
- Both limbs
- One arm (upper limb)
Listed by the hospital as
- DOPPLER STUDY OF ARTERIES & VENOUS (SINGLE)
- ARTERIES & VENOUS DOPPLER (BOTH)
- UPPER LIMB DOPPLER (SINGLE)
Questions about this test
Why check both arteries and veins in one scan?
Some problems, such as leg ulcers, can come from either poor artery supply or poor vein drainage. Checking both helps your doctor choose the right treatment.
Does a leg ulcer need a Doppler scan?
Doctors usually check the blood supply before treating a leg ulcer, because compression bandages used for vein ulcers can be unsafe if the arteries are narrowed.
Will both legs be scanned?
That depends on your symptoms and your doctor's request. Scanning both sides can help compare blood flow.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.