Venous Duplex Ultrasound - Legs
Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your leg veins. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure is performed to evaluate symptoms including leg pain or swelling, excessive varicose veins, shortness of breath, or suspected blood clots in your legs and/or lungs.
At the Cedars-Sinai S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.
Before Your Exam
- There is no preparation for this procedure.
- If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
- We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Please consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
- Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
During Your Exam
An image from a venous duplex vascular ultrasound scan of the right Sapheno-femoral junction in the leg showing blood flow.
- You will be lying on the exam table on your back with your hands at your sides. The technologist will apply a warm gel to your legs and a transducer or a small microphone will be used to examine your arteries.
- You will hear the sound of moving blood during the exam. Do not be alarmed; it is harmless.
- Your exam will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
After Your Exam
- There are no post-exam instructions.
- Your study will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
- If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call 310-423-8000.
- To request a copy of your report, please call 310-423-8000, option 2 or submit an online request.
For more information or to schedule an appointment