If your doctor requests a vascular ultrasound procedure, the chances are high that you're taken aback. While most people understand what an ultrasound is, they are not aware of what vascular ultrasound entails. Fundamentally, a vascular ultrasound procedure examines blood circulation in vessels found in the arms and legs. During the procedure, sound waves from a probe are transmitted through tissues of the site under examination. That said, the best way to know more about an upcoming vascular ultrasound is to ask the right questions. This article highlights crucial questions to ask your doctor regarding vascular ultrasound.
Should You Fast Before the Procedure? -- When people prepare for surgery, they are advised not to eat anything several hours before the procedure. The same should happen before a vascular ultrasound procedure targeting vessels within the abdominal region. Notably, the digestive process produces gas that circulates throughout the large and small intestines as well as the stomach region. The digestive gases prevent ultrasound waves from penetrating the blood vessels, making the procedure inadequate and sometimes impossible for assessing blood flow. Thus, you need to minimise gases in and around your intestines to increase the chances of clear images and blood flow recordings. In addition, a doctor might ask that you follow a special dietary plan that allows for the most accurate results.
What Should You Wear? -- You will be glad to know that you are never be required to remove your underpants regardless of a scan site. However, a doctor might recommend certain clothing based on the location of blood vessels to be examined. For instance, if your doctor requests a cerebrovascular ultrasound, you should wear a blouse or shirt with a loose neckline. It allows easy access to the neck region from the clavicle to the upper throat region. For vascular ultrasound targeting vessels in the arms, wear short-sleeved shirts/t-shirts. Sometimes, people who wear bras might be required to remove their bra so that a sonographer can scan the shoulder region. In such cases, a sonographer provides a drape or disposable gown for privacy and comfort. Similar attire recommendations are provided for lower limb and abdominal vascular ultrasound procedures.
Are There Negative Side Effects? -- Vascular ultrasound is non-invasive, making it one of the safest medical procedures around. However, since an ultrasound probe can be used on more than one person, most patients have concerns about catching transferable skin issues. However, you need not worry about the issue because ultrasound equipment must be sterilised after every procedure. Additionally, professional sonographers are trained to use scanners safely and accurately.
Speak with a doctor for more information about ultrasounds.
Share30 August 2021
Hello, my name is Catherine and this is my blog all about health and medical topics. I was inspired to start this blog by my husband who works in a hospital. He isn't a doctor, he works in a lab testing blood samples. However, he is extremely interested in medicine. When his grandma got sick, he quickly established what might be wrong and got her all the help she needed. Sometimes is the evening, we sit and read textbooks and talk about medicine. It sounds insane but we both really like it. I decided to start this blog to show off some of what I have learnt.