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CAROTID, VERTEBRAL & SUBCLAVIAN ARTERIES ULTRASOUND

Carotid, vertebral, and subclavian arteries ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood vessels of the body, which are called the veins and arteries. These exams are often ordered to check the flow of blood to brain and assess the risk for a stroke.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • You can expect to be at the clinic between 30-60 minutes, depending on your procedure(s) and barring any unforeseen delays.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You will be asked to remove your top and put on a gown or you can wear a top that allows easy access to your neck.
  • You will be asked to lie down on the bed with a pillow or small support under your neck and shoulders.
  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned.
  • Your sonographer will move the probe along the right and left side of your neck from your collarbone to your jaw line. Only light pressure is necessary, so please let us know if it’s uncomfortable.
  • A series of images is acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the arteries.
  • During the exam 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.
  • 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

20-35 minutes

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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