by Deborah Dera

Created on: March 16, 2011

A carotid doppler is a very common medical procedure that physicians and cardiologists use to determine whether the blood flow through your carotid arteries is sufficient enough to supply enough oxygen to your brain. Narrowing of the arteries, whether form artersclerosis or some other cause, can be incredibly dangerous, increasing your risk for mini-strokes or full strokes.

What Will Happen During the Test?

The process of having a carotid doppler test is very simple. It is considered a non-invasive procedure, which means you won't have any type of injection, scope, or dye. A certified ultrasound technician will talk to you before the procedure, clarifying your medical history and answering any questions you have before the test begins.

When the test begins, the technologist will squirt some warmed, clear jelly into your neck. The jelly will help the ultrasound sensor to move around without causing friction on your skin. An image of the arteries within your neck will appear on the sonographer's screen and those images will be used to take both still and video pictures of your arteries and the way they are functioning. The entire test should last no more than 20-30 minutes, with about 10-15 minutes spent on each side of your neck.

After the test, your ultrasound technologist will help you to sit up slowly, as you may feel dizzy from lying if you sit up too quickly. She'll help you to remove the gel from your neck and will help you back out of the room.

Are There Special Preparations for a Carotid Doppler?

Many medical procedures require fasting the night before and morning of. The carotid doppler, because it is non-invasive, does not require you to make any special preparations. You simply need to show up on the day of the test.

What Will Happen After My Test?

After your test is completed, the ultrasound technologist who took the pictures will analyze them, notating the location of anatomical reference points, shadowing, and other measurements for the doctor. A qualified radiologist will read the images and write a report explaining the findings from your test. That report will be sent to your doctor and he will either call you or discuss the results at your follow-up examination. Your ultrasound technician can not and will not discuss the images during the procedure itself.

It may seem scary to have to undergo a carotid doppler but the ability to diagnose a problem before you have a significant medical event is invaluable.

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