Colour Doppler

Preparation

• It is important to understand the procedure and get familiar with the basics of the Colour Doppler examination before you go. Find out what it does, why it does it, and what to anticipate from the test.
• You will be required to follow pre-exam instructions. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions which may include fasting for a certain duration or avoiding certain medications or substances that may interfere with the results. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of the examination to allow easy access to the area being examined. Avoid wearing jewellery or accessories that may interfere with the procedure.
• Communicate with your healthcare provider and share any relevant medical history or concerns with your healthcare provider before the examination. This will help them tailor the procedure to suit your specific needs.
• Staying relaxed and calm during the procedure can help improve the quality of the results. Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques before and during the test to reduce anxiety.

What does the Procedure involve?

• During the procedure, a specialized ultrasound machine is used to examine blood flow and identify any abnormalities within the body's blood vessels.
• The procedure begins with the patient lying on a comfortable examination table. The technician applies a gel to the area being examined, which helps the sound waves transmit more easily.
• The technician then holds a transducer, a tiny, handheld device, against the skin over the blood vessels that are to be assessed. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce back when they encounter blood cells. These sound waves are then converted into a visual representation on a monitor.
• In a colour Doppler procedure, the ultrasound machine uses different colours to represent the direction and speed of blood flow. Blue typically indicates blood flowing towards the transducer, while red indicates blood flowing away. This colour mapping allows the technician to see if blood is flowing normally or if there are any blockages or abnormalities in the blood vessels.

What follows the Procedure?

• After a Colour Doppler procedure, the healthcare provider will analyze the images and advise on what to do next. If the results are normal, you won't need any further testing.
• However, if the results show any abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or treatments to address the issue. This includes additional cardiac and blood tests.
• Regarding side effects, most people do not experience any significant side effects from a Colour Doppler procedure. The exam is non-invasive, and the sound waves used are not harmful. You can resume your normal daily activities right after the procedure.
• In rare cases, some people may experience mild bruising or discomfort at the site where the gel was applied, but this usually goes away within a few hours.