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Arterial Legs + ABI

Peripheral arterial Doppler ultrasound (arterial legs) uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood flow of arteries in the legs, from the groin to the ankle. If blood flow is compromised, it could produce symptoms such as cramping of the leg muscles.

This exam includes an ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement, which compares the blood pressure in your arm to the pressure at your ankle. It helps determine how well your blood is flowing from your heart to your feet. On occasion, a toe brachial index (TBI) measurement may be required to take additional blood pressure readings at the toes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • We will provide you with a pair of comfortable shorts to wear during the exam.
  • You will be asked to lie on your back and blood pressure cuffs will be placed on both arms and both ankles.
  • The blood pressure cuffs will inflate so the sonographer can take blood pressure readings. The cuffs may become tight but only for a few seconds.
  • During the exam your sonographer will listen to your blood flow, so you will hear what sounds like your heartbeat. This is the blood moving through the artery and each artery checked has a slightly different sound.
  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will then be applied to the area being scanned for the ultrasound. Usually both legs are scanned.
  • A series of images is acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the arteries.
  • We can also assess the function of a bypass graft or stent that has been surgically placed inside a blood vessel to improve blood flow.
  • The radiologist reviews the images and measurements, and your doctor will receive a comprehensive report on the status of your arteries.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

QUESTIONS?

DURATION

1 hour

LOCATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Online Appointment Request

abdomen CT

If you are interested or have any questions, send us a message.

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.

Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):

  • A cause of pain or swelling.

  • Lymph nodes or blood vessels.

  • The kidney or bladder.

  • The liver, pancreas, or spleen.

  • The small or large bowel.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.

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