A type of ultrasound scan that allows to assess blood flow in the blood vessels and the heart. Colour Doppler ultrasonography makes it possible to evaluate changes in blood flow velocities (speeds) at locations in the body where something inside the vessel blocks the flow of blood or where the whole blood vessel is narrowed. Duplex scans are also used to visualise the pathological vascularisation of tumors or to calculate quantitative parameters of blood flow.

Indications for colour Doppler ultrasound scans:

  • Problems with blood flow in peripheral arteries or veins
  • Neurological symptoms suggestive of central nervous system ischaemia
  • Clinical syndromes suggestive of vascular fistulae
  • Aortic aneurysms or aneurysms of intra-abdominal arteries
  • Evaluation of blood circulation inside transplanted organs
  • Heart evaluation

Cost: upwards of PLN 220

How to prepare for a colour Doppler ultrasound scan (a duplex scan)

A colour Doppler ultrasound scan of blood vessels (a vascular duplex scan)

This scan does not require special preparation. Exceptions include transabdominal scans (i.e. scans performed with the ultrasound probe moved around the skin of the stomach) of the following blood vessels: the renal arteries, the abdominal aorta, the visceral vessels (the  coeliac trunk and the mesenteric arteries), the portal system, the inferior vena cava, and the iliac arteries — in all of the above cases the patient should prepare exactly as for an abdominal ultrasound scan:

One day before the scan

  • A light diet with the exclusion of vegetables, fruits and dark bread.
  • Espumisan: 2 capsules three times daily. This medicine is intended to remove air bubbles from the digestive tract, as these do not allow ultrasound rays to pass.

Six hours before the scan

  • No food allowed until after the scan.
  • No fizzy or sweet beverages allowed until after the scan (only still water is allowed).
  • No smoking until after the scan.
  • No chewing gum until after the scan.