A Doppler ultrasound is a specialized examination that makes it possible to explore the arterial and venous system by taking images of the blood flow direction and rate in the various veins or arteries. It also makes it possible to observe blood flow conditions and proper irrigation of the organs.
ImagixTM offers several types of Doppler Ultrasounds :
- Renal
- Arterial
- Carotid
- Venous
Examination procedure
For the examination procedure, you will be asked:
- to change into a hospital gown and remove your jewellery and other metal objects, which can interfere with image quality
- to lay comfortably on an examination table. The technician will apply a warm gel on the region that will be observed
- to remain still while our radiologist moves the ultrasound sensor slowly to take images
Please note that the total duration of your visit for this examination can be between 45 and 60 minutes, even though the examination procedure itself will only last approximately 30 minutes.
Preparing for the Examination
To ensure that your ultrasound is a success, please follow these guidelines:
This preparation concerns only renal Doppler ultrasound
If your test is in the morning:
- Do not eat any solid or liquid food after midnight. You can, however, take your medication with a minimum amount of water.
- Do not chew gum, as this will make you swallow air and degrade the quality of the test.
If your test is after 1 p.m.:
- Fast for 4 to 6 hours before the test. You can, however, take your medication with a minimum amount of water.
- Do not eat fatty foods in the morning (e.g., muffins, eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon, peanut butter or other nut-based butters, butter or margarine). As an example, you can eat a portion of oatmeal with fruit, bread with jam, or any other equivalent food if you are gluten intolerant.
- Do not chew gum, as this will make you swallow air and degrade the quality of the test.
A medical prescription is required to perform this examination. The cost of this examination is covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) at Imagix when prescribed by a physician.*
*Members of the College des Médecins du Québec (CMQ) registered in the Quebec Physicians Directory