Vascular ultrasound
Contact
- Charing Cross Hospital
- 020 3311 7360
- St Mary’s Hospital
- 020 3312 3739
- Advice for GPs
- 020 3312 8737
Visitor Information
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Vascular ultrasound (also known as duplex or doppler ultrasound) is a non-invasive diagnostic test which is carried out to investigate diseases of the circulation. The ultrasound scans are performed by clinical vascular scientists to look at the arteries or veins in the neck, arms, legs or abdomen. Some tests also involve blood pressure measurements in the arms and legs.
Vascular ultrasound scans are requested mainly by doctors from the vascular team, but also from other specialisms including A&E, neurology, rheumatology, pediatrics, amongst others. A clinical vascular scientist will perform the scan, interpret the results and report the results. These are then sent to the referring doctor who will assess the patient with the results and will decide on any further investigations or treatment that may be necessary. Types of scans performed include carotid, AAA, upper and lower limb arterial, upper and lower limb venous (for deep vein thrombosis and superficial vein incompetence), TCCD and fistula.
Conditions we treat
Vascular ultrasound is used to examine all arteries and veins in the body, including those in the neck, arms, legs and abdomen.
Treatments we offer
Vascular ultrasound is a diagnostic service and does not offer treatments. Any disease or abnormality found is treated by the referring doctor.
Clinics
Charing Cross Hospital
Address
4 North
Charing Cross Hospital
West Fulham Palace Road
London W6 8RF
Hours
08.30 to 17.00, Monday through Friday
St Mary's Hospital
Address
Vascular studies
Irvine Unit
Ground Floor
Mary Stanford Building
St Mary’s Hospital
Praed Street
London
W2 1NY
Hours
09.00 to 17.00, Monday through Friday
Meet the team
Principal clinical vascular scientist
- Kelly Swagell
Senior clinical vascular scientist
- Mohammed Aslam
- Maria Bunakova
- Sophie Connolly
- Emma Flint
- Carlos Pinho
- Natasha Strevens
Clinical vascular scientist
- Sepideh Poushpas
- Chloe Rai
- Mo Ko Win
Trainee clinical vascular scientist
- Zina Benbia
- Anna Hookham
- Yasin Shaifta
Patient information
Before your appointment
You do not need to make any special preparations for the test. However, please be aware that prior to the scan you may be asked to remove some items of clothing in order for the clinical vascular scientist to access the required body part.
Please note that we are a teaching hospital and so a trainee vascular scientist may scan you prior to a qualified clinical vascular scientist. Please tell a member of the team if you are not happy with this.
During your appointment
Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the blood vessels and delivers no risk to you. The test performed will depend upon the symptoms you are experiencing. A clinical vascular scientist will carry out the ultrasound scan, and they may look at the arteries or veins in your neck, arms, legs or abdomen (tummy). The blood pressure in your arms and legs may also be measured. Depending on the request, the scan may take between 30 and 90 minutes to perform. Ultrasound scans use a clear water-soluble gel that is spread over the area of skin being examined.
After your appointment
The results of vascular ultrasound investigations are reported by the clinical vascular scientists and discussed with patients during subsequent appointments with their hospital doctor.
Patient information leaflets
- 4 north vascular ultrasound scan
- Irvine vascular studies scanning department
- Vascular laboratory – scanning department
Additional information
Education and training
The department is accredited by the Scientist Training Programme (STP) and Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST) and is therefore able to offer short placements to other STP and HSST students requiring experience in the field of vascular ultrasound. Please contact 020 3311 7322 for further information.
Further online resources