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Using sound waves, a vascular ultrasound exam looks at the blood flow in your veins and arteries. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from a handheld device, called a probe or transducer, that is placed on the body and moved around the area of interest. A warm, unscented, hypo-allergenic, water-based gel is applied to the skin to aid in the movement of the transducer. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image on a computer screen.
Ultrasound exams are noninvasive, don’t use radiation, and images are captured in real-time, showing the movement of your blood flowing through your blood vessels.
At Mayfair, we perform a number of studies that evaluate your blood flow to various parts of the body. These exams:
Evaluating circulation helps determine if there is risk of a stroke or vascular disease. The most common exams are venous (vein) ultrasound of the leg or arm to check for blood clots and carotid artery ultrasound to assess blood flow to the brain, which are performed at most Mayfair locations in Calgary.
For some Mayfair Diagnostics vascular ultrasound exams, you will be asked to lie on your back and blood pressure cuffs will be place 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. Other exams don’t require cuffs, the transducer will simply be passed over the area of concern.
During the exam your sonographer will listen to your blood flow, so you may hear what sounds like your heartbeat. This is the blood moving through the blood vessel and each blood vessel checked has a slightly different sound. A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned and a series of images will be acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the blood vessels. Depending on the type of exam, you may be asked to move your arms, lie on your side, sit, or stand to help acquire the best images of the area in question.
Exams can range from 30-60 minutes depending on their complexity. Please visit the services page for information on specific exams.
After your exam a specialized radiologist will review your images and interpret them before forwarding a report to your referring physician. If there are any concerns with your results, a radiologist may speak with you or fax a report to your doctor. For non-urgent results, your doctor will receive a detailed report, which will outline your diagnosis, by the next business day following your exam. Your doctor will then discuss your results with you.
Ultrasound is non-invasive and safe. Occasionally, an ultrasound exam may require pressure to ensure the best image of the area in question and may be temporarily uncomfortable, such as when an area of tenderness is scanned. As well, during a venous ultrasound the transducer will be pressed against your leg to cause the veins to squeeze closed momentarily. This is not harmful to the vein, but it is the preferred method of checking for a blood clot. The pressure may be quite uncomfortable for the few seconds it takes to evaluate each segment of the vein down the leg.
To determine whether a vascular ultrasound is right for you, it’s important to speak to your health care practitioner about your options. Venous and carotid artery ultrasounds are performed at most Mayfair locations in Calgary and our Regina location, while the more complex procedures are performed at our Vascular Lab in our Sunridge Plaza clinic.
REFERENCES
RadiologyInfo.org (2021) “Ultrasound – Vascular.” www.radiologyinfo.org. Accessed July 4, 2022.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
