Color Doppler is a technique in which colors superimposed on an image of a blood vessel indicate the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessel.
Colour doppler test is a type of ultrasound test. In an ultrasound, high frequency sounds waves are emitted into your body and the way the sound reflects back, it creates pictures on a monitor. Colour doppler test is used to determine the presence of blood clots if present in the body as well as for detecting blockages in the arteries and for the detection of Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Any patient and any doctor would prefer a treatment that is less invasive, cost effective and time effective. Generally, to get an idea about blockages in the arteries, Angiography is performed. Angiography is more of an invasive technique and has no to little side effects because of injury near groin or due to the contrast dye used. Color Doppler test is preferred over angiography because of its non-invasive nature and no side effects.
If you have one or more of the conditions listed below, based on the need your doctor may suggest you to undergo color Doppler test. The conditions are as follows
• Blood clots
• See how blood flows after a treatment.
• If arteries have bulging
• Blood flow problems with Liver, Spleen, kidney, pancreas
• Narrowing of arteries
• Poorly functioning valves in leg veins, which causes blood or other fluids to pool in the legs (also known as venous insufficiency).
• A heart valve defect or a congenital defect
• Decreased blood supply in the legs ( Peripheral Artery Disease )
Before the test, you will be told not to eat or drink anything 6 to 12 hours before the test. For pelvic ultrasound for women, the will be told to drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour before the test. As you come for the test, a gel will be applied on the part where Doppler test is to be out. This helps the sound waves to travel through the skin & the organs and bounce off the blood cells. This procedure normally gets done in 30 to 60 mins. The results also become available quickly. In this way, the Doppler test is no invasive and painless.
