Tests for blood vessel problems Ngā whakamātaunga mō ngā raruraru ia toto
There are several tests that can help diagnose blood vessel problems.
Ankle-brachial index
The ankle-brachial pressure index test compares the blood pressure in your lower ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. They should be about the same. If the blood pressure in your leg is lower than in your arm, it can be a sign of problems with the blood vessels in your leg.
Angiogram or angiography
This is used to see the inside of your blood vessels and organs. A special dye is injected into a vein. Then a scanner is used to look at the blood flow through your arteries and show any narrowing or blockages.
There are 2 ways an angiogram can be done:
- computed tomography angiography (CTA) uses a CT scanner
- magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses an MRI scanner.
D-dimer blood test
Healthcare providers can use the D-dimer blood test to help diagnose if you have a blood clot (a DVT or deep vein thrombosis).
Sometimes a negative result can rule out a blood clot. But a positive D-dimer result can have other causes, such as pregnancy or an infection, so more testing is needed.
Doppler ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to look at the blood flow through your arteries and veins. The result is displayed as images on a screen.
Information for your Doppler ultrasound appointment
Your healthcare provider has referred you to the district nursing service for a Doppler ultrasound scan. The district nursing service will be in contact with you to confirm your appointment date and time.
What a Doppler test is
A Doppler ultrasound uses a hand-held instrument that listens to the blood flow of your blood vessels in your arms and feet.
Why you need a Doppler test
It is a safety check of how good the blood supply in the vessels to your feet is. Knowing this can help us decide if your veins would benefit from compression therapy as well.
Your appointment
Usually an appointment takes 90 minutes, but this can vary.
What you need to do to prepare for the test
- You will need to wear loose clothing on your arms and legs.
- You will be asked to take off your shoes, socks, tights and stockings.
- You may eat and drink normally before the test.
How the test is done
You will be asked to lie as flat as possible for 15 to 20 minutes while we ask you some questions.
A blood pressure cuff is put around each of your limbs to record your blood pressure, a small blob of gel will be applied to the inside of your elbow and feet to help pick up the sound. This procedure may be noisy — this is normal.
You will be able to carry on with your normal daily routine after the test.
How it feels
It may feel uncomfortable as the cuff fills with air and presses on your arm and leg, but this will not last long. If you have an ulcer on your leg, this will be covered during the test.
Your test results
We will send your Doppler results to your healthcare provider. This will help them decide which type of treatment, bandage or stockings you may need. A referral to a specialist for more detailed tests might be needed. This will be discussed with you after the test.
Where this test will be done
The Doppler ultrasound test will be done at the district nurse clinic, at the rear of Gisborne hospital.
District nursing service — Tairāwhiti
Duplex ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound uses ultrasound and high frequency sound waves to look at blood vessels and blood flow. This can help find any blockages or clots.
Types of vascular ultrasound tests include:
- abdominal aortic ultrasound, which looks at the aorta (the main artery leading away from your heart) and is used to check for abdominal aortic aneurysms (bulges)
- arterial and venous duplex study, which looks at the blood vessels and the blood flow in your legs
- carotid arterial ultrasound, which looks at the blood flow through the carotid arteries (the blood vessels in your neck)
- renal artery duplex scan, which looks at the arteries in your kidneys to make sure there are no blockages.
Venogram
In a venogram, a special dye is injected into your veins and x-rays are used to show how the blood flows through your veins.