Colour Doppler

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Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help the physician to see and evaluate: blockage of blood flow, such as clots, build-up of plaque inside the vessel, congenital malformation. With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from an ultrasound image, the physician can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.

Doppler ultrasonography is application of diagnostic ultrasound used to detect moving blood cells or other moving structures and measure their direction and speed of movement. The Doppler effect is used to evaluate movement by measuring changes in frequency of the echoes reflected from moving structures.

The movement of the embryo or fetus and fetal heart can be seen as an ongoing ultrasound "movie."

How should I prepare for the procedure?

You should wear a loose fitting two-piece outfit for the examination. No such special preparation is needed. It is helpful to have proper bowel preparation for Doppler study of abdomen. In investigation for carotid Doppler and peripheral Doppler study no special prearation is needed.

How much time does the procedure take?

The procedure usually takes about 45 min to 1 hour