Preparing for a Vascular Ultrasound: What to Expect and How to Get Ready

This non-invasive imaging technology enables our medical professionals to assess the speed and direction of blood flow in the veins and arteries. It is instrumental in identifying conditions such as plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), blood clots (thrombus), narrowing or blockages (stenosis), and more. Vascular ultrasound is key in diagnosing conditions like peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and carotid artery disease, among others.

The vascular ultrasound procedure is performed by our highly skilled sonographers and interpreted by our specialized vascular surgeons or radiologists. Not only is it a diagnostic tool, but it also guides therapeutic procedures such as angioplasty and stent placements. With no radiation involved, it is safe for all patients, including those who are pregnant or have allergies to contrast dye.

While vascular ultrasound is a highly effective tool, our team understands its limitations. For instance, it may not detect all vascular abnormalities or provide information about the chemical composition of plaque. However, it is an invaluable asset in our diagnostic arsenal, assisting in the prompt and accurate diagnosis of vascular conditions. This leads to more effective treatment plans and allows for the monitoring of treatment progress.

To maximize the benefit of your vascular ultrasound, it’s crucial to adhere to a few straightforward steps.

● Dress Code: Firstly, remember to dress in comfortable, loose clothing. This is because you’ll need to expose the part of the body where the ultrasound will be executed. Tight clothing that may limit blood flow or obstruct the technician’s ability to take measurements should be avoided. You might also need to wear a gown that will be supplied by Advanced Magnetic Imaging.
● Food and Drink: Unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider, you should eat and drink normally. Some vascular ultrasounds require a full bladder while others do not. If your doctor recommends it, wait at least eight hours before the exam before eating or drinking anything. Chewing gum, coffee, tea, and water are all included in this. However, in general, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after the exam. This not only enhances the ultrasound’s accuracy but also minimizes the risk of complications.
● Medications: Notify your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Certain medications can affect your blood flow and might impact the results of the ultrasound.
● Understanding the Procedure: To ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure, it’s important to understand why you’re having it and what it involves. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Vascular ultrasounds generally take longer than other types of ultrasounds, so plan for at least 30-60 minutes for the exam.
● Punctuality: Arrive for your appointment on time to allow for registration and preparation.

At Advanced Magnetic Imaging, we offer a variety of diagnostic techniques including vascular ultrasound procedures. This non-invasive technique helps us examine the circulation in the blood vessels of your body. With no radiation involved and the use of harmless sound waves, rest assured that this procedure poses minimal risks.

Before we begin your vascular ultrasound procedure, you may need to change into a hospital gown. This allows us easy access to the area we’ll be examining. To ensure that the results are accurate, we can additionally ask you to act quickly or refrain from taking specific drugs, depending on your past medical conditions.

Our specially trained sonographers will make you comfortable on an examination table and apply a clear, water-based gel to your skin. This gel helps the ultrasound waves enter your body and prevents air pockets that could interfere with the procedure.

Using a transducer, a small handheld device, our sonographer will send high-frequency sound waves into your blood vessels. By moving the transducer back and forth, we can create images that show the size, shape, and blood flow through your vessels.

During the procedure, you may hear a ‘whooshing’ sound. This is the ultrasound machine creating an audio representation of your blood flow. The procedure is typically painless, but you might feel slight pressure from the transducer. To capture the best images, our sonographer may ask you to change positions or hold your breath briefly.

Depending on the region being inspected, the full process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The time it takes to receive results from Advanced Magnetic Imaging can vary depending on several factors. Typically, the procedure itself is completed within an hour, but the interpretation of the results may take additional time.

Typical Timeframe:

● The radiologist or imaging specialist will review and interpret the captured magnetic resonance images. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of the images and clinic policies.
● The written report, which includes detailed findings and any recommendations, is usually sent to the ordering physician within a few days.
● Overall, patients should generally expect to receive their results within one to two weeks.

Factors Affecting Results Time:

● Complexity of Findings: Simple findings may be reported quickly, while more complex or ambiguous findings may require additional review and analysis, delaying the results.
● Equipment Type: Imaging technology with automated analysis software can expedite results.
● Radiologist’s Availability: If the radiologist is particularly busy or out of the office, results may take longer to be processed.
● Interpretation Challenges: Occasionally, the radiologist may need to consult with colleagues or review previous medical records to clarify findings, which can prolong the reporting time.

At Advanced Magnetic Imaging, your comfort and care are our top priorities. If you have any questions about your upcoming vascular ultrasound or need guidance on preparation, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your healthcare journey! Contact us for more information. We are conveniently located at 6416 Bergenline Ave West New York, NJ 07093. We serve patients from West New York NJ, North Bergen NJ, Union City NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Weehawken NJ, Hoboken NJ, Fort Lee NJ, Englewood NJ, East Rutherford NJ, Jersey City NJ, and the surrounding areas! Book your next appointment now – you will be glad you did! Visit us online for directions to our leading clinic and to meet our team of healthcare professionals.