Commonly Asked Questions

Some vascular ultrasound examinations assess blood vessels deep within the abdomen. Gas in the bowel can interfere with ultrasound images and make it difficult to accurately assess blood flow.

Following the fasting and dietary instructions provided before your appointment helps reduce bowel gas and allows us to obtain the clearest possible images. This improves the accuracy of your examination and may reduce the need for repeat imaging.
If you have diabetes, we will provide modified preparation instructions tailored to your needs.

The blood supply to your legs begins in the main artery of the body (the aorta) and its branches within the abdomen. Narrowing or blockage of these arteries can reduce blood flow to your legs and contribute to symptoms such as pain when walking, cramping, or poor circulation. Examining these vessels allows us to provide a comprehensive assessment of your leg circulation and identify where any blood flow problems may be occurring.

Your ultrasound findings are reviewed by one of our vascular surgeons before a report is sent to your referring doctor. Most reports are completed and returned within three working days. For urgent examinations, reports are usually sent within an hour of the scan being completed, and our sonographer will make every effort to contact your doctor directly if required. If you have a follow-up appointment booked with your doctor, please let us know so we can ensure your results are available in time. Patients seeing one of our specialists after their scan will have their results available to their doctor immediately.

We recommend comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined. You will not need to remove your underwear, and none of our ultrasound examinations are internal procedures.

Depending on the type of scan:

Neck arteries (carotid ultrasound): Wear a top with an open or loose neckline and avoid bulky necklaces.
Arm arteries or veins:  Wear separates so that your shirt or blouse can be removed easily to expose your arms. If you need to remove your bra, you will be provided with a drape, blanket or disposable gown, however usually it is sufficient to simply lower your bra strap while the blood vessels around your shoulder are being checked.
Leg arteries or veins: Wear separate top and bottom garments that can be easily removed or rolled up. Underwear should be worn. Some clothing may make the scan more difficult. Please avoid long skirts (or be happy to remove them) and boxer shorts. Long skirts may inhibit a venous scan which is often performed standing and boxer shorts limit access to the major arteries and veins in the groin area. 
Abdominal vessels: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.

Gowns, drapes and blankets are available whenever required.

Absolutely.
Before your examination begins, your sonographer will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. During the scan, they will be concentrating on obtaining the most accurate information possible, but please let them know if you are uncomfortable or have any concerns. As your results must be reviewed by a vascular surgeon, the sonographer cannot discuss your results with you.

If you have a preference regarding the gender of the sonographer performing your ultrasound, please let the receptionist at Vascular One know when booking your appointment. We will do our best to accommodate your request wherever possible. In some cases, this may mean adjusting the appointment time or location to ensure your comfort and privacy. Our team will be very happy to discuss the available options with you.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels and assess blood flow. It does not use radiation. X-rays use a form of electromagnetic radiation to produce images, particularly of bones and certain internal structures.

Ultrasound is safe, and does not require protective clothing.

Yes.
Vascular ultrasound examinations are specialised studies that typically take between 30 and 90 minutes and may require specific preparation. Our team will advise you of any preparation instructions when your appointment is booked.

Most vascular ultrasound examinations take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the type and complexity of the study. Our reception team can provide a more specific estimate when your appointment is scheduled.

Yes.
Diagnostic ultrasound has been used safely for many years and there are no known harmful side effects when performed by appropriately trained professionals. Our equipment is regularly maintained and all examinations are performed by qualified vascular sonographers and trainees.

If you have had a vascular stent inserted, regular ultrasound surveillance helps ensure it continues to function properly. Although modern stents perform very well, narrowing or blockage can occasionally develop over time. Regular monitoring allows any issues to be identified early, often before symptoms occur.

Vascular ultrasound is highly detailed and involves measuring blood flow at multiple locations throughout the blood vessels being examined. When you make your appointment the receptionist will let you know approximately how long your scan will take.

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body’s tissues and organs. Veins return blood back to the heart after oxygen has been delivered. Vascular ultrasound allows us to assess both arteries and veins for conditions such as narrowing, blockage, aneurysms, blood clots and varicose veins.

Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive test that does not involve needles, injections or radiation. A clear gel is applied to the skin and a small handheld probe is moved over the area being examined. The probe uses sound waves to create images and measure blood flow. You may hear sounds from the Doppler ultrasound during the examination. These sounds represent blood flow and are a normal part of the test. Most patients find the examination comfortable and are able to resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Your blood vessels are complex, and assessing them accurately requires specialised expertise. At Vascular One, vascular ultrasound is all we do. Our sonographers are specially trained in vascular imaging and use dedicated protocols designed specifically for the assessment of arteries and veins.

Every scan is reviewed by a vascular surgeon, providing an additional level of expertise and quality assurance. This team-based approach helps ensure that your referring doctor receives detailed, accurate information to guide your care.

Whether you are being assessed for leg pain, varicose veins, carotid artery disease, aneurysms or follow-up after a vascular procedure, a specialist vascular laboratory provides focused expertise in diagnosing and monitoring vascular conditions.

It’s a question we sometimes hear, and a fair one. There are several reasons our specialists may request updated imaging even if you’ve had a scan recently.

It may be out of date 

Vascular conditions can change over time. A scan older than 6–12 months may no longer accurately reflect your condition, and our specialists need a current picture to make safe treatment decisions.

Vascular ultrasound is a specialised study

 General radiology practices provide excellent imaging across a broad range of needs, and a GP-referred scan is often a perfect starting point. However, our scans are performed by vascular-trained sonographers using protocols specifically designed for surgical and varicose vein assessment, capturing the detail of blood flow, reflux patterns, and vessel mapping needed to plan treatment.

It may not cover everything we need

 Your original scan may not have examined all relevant areas, or may not include the specific measurements and reporting detail our specialists require for safe surgical or treatment planning.

A repeat scan is a recommendation, not a requirement You are welcome to attend your consultation without a repeat scan. However, if updated imaging is needed, you will require a second consultation to discuss the results, meaning two appointments rather than one, and your specialist may not be able to provide a full assessment or treatment plan at the first visit. Having the scan beforehand allows your specialist to make the most of your consultation time and give you clear answers from the outset.