What Is a Doppler Ultrasound – And When Might You Need One?

A doppler ultrasound is a specialised type of scan used to measure blood flow through your blood vessels. It’s commonly used to check circulation in your legs, neck, and other areas where poor blood flow or blockages might be suspected. 

At Capri Ultrasound, located in Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast, we offer doppler ultrasound as part of our vascular imaging services with bulk billing available for all Medicare-eligible patients. This blog will go into depth on this type of ultrasound and when you might need one. 

What Is a Doppler Ultrasound?

A doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to assess how blood moves through your veins and arteries. Unlike a standard ultrasound, which creates images of internal structures, this ultrasound focuses on detecting the speed and direction of blood flow. This can help identify blockages, narrowing of arteries, or poor circulation especially in the legs or neck.

What Conditions Can Doppler Ultrasound Help Diagnose?

A doppler ultrasound is most often performed as part of a vascular ultrasound, but it’s also used in several other diagnostic applications. Common reasons for this type of  ultrasound include:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): When blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the limbs

• Carotid artery disease: Narrowing in the arteries of the neck, which can increase stroke risk

• Varicose veins or venous insufficiency

• Swelling or pain in the legs

• Renal artery evaluation: To assess blood flow to the kidneys in cases of high blood pressure or kidney issues

• Testicular and scrotal pain or swelling: To assess for conditions like torsion or varicocele using doppler ultrasound legs or scrotal imaging
  

At Capri Ultrasound, we regularly perform vascular ultrasounds using doppler ultrasound to assess these conditions quickly and accurately.

This type of ultrasound is also commonly used to assess blood flow in the neck’s carotid arteries, which can help detect early signs of carotid artery disease, a condition linked to stroke risk. You can read more about carotid artery disease and its causes on the Mayo Clinic website here.

What Happens During a Doppler Ultrasound?

The scan is quick, non-invasive, and usually takes 10 – 20 minutes. Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to lie down while gel is applied to the skin. A sonographer will then use a handheld probe to capture live images and measure blood flow.

There’s no radiation, no injections, and no pain, just clear, real-time feedback on how well your blood is circulating. If you’re having a doppler ultrasound of a carotid artery, the probe will gently move across the neck, for legs, the probe will follow the veins and arteries in your lower limbs, and for renal ultrasounds, the abdomen is scanned to assess blood flow to the kidneys.

Is Doppler Only for Vascular Ultrasound?

While vascular ultrasound is the most common use of doppler ultrasound, it’s not the only one. At Capri Ultrasound, Doppler technology is also used during:

• Scrotal ultrasound to assess testicular blood flow
• Thyroid ultrasound to evaluate blood supply to nodules or masses
• Abdominal ultrasound for organs like the liver or kidneys in certain vascular-related conditions
  

This makes doppler ultrasound a versatile and powerful diagnostic tool, not limited to vascular use alone.

Why Choose Capri Ultrasound for Scans?

At Capri Ultrasound, we offer:

• Bulk bill ultrasound services for all Medicare-eligible patients
• Fast turnaround: results are typically available within 24–48 hours
• Skilled, experienced sonographers
• Convenient Gold Coast location in Isle of Capri
• Acceptance of all referrals from GPs, specialists, and allied health professionals
• Support for a wide range of services, including doppler ultrasound legs, renal doppler ultrasound, and doppler ultrasound of carotid artery
  

If you’ve been referred for an ultrasound or are searching for a ‘bulk billing ultrasound near me’, you’re in luck, we’re here to help!

Book Your Ultrasound on the Gold Coast

Experiencing leg pain, swelling, or symptoms of poor circulation? Your GP may recommend a doppler ultrasound to investigate further.

At Capri Ultrasound, we make the process easy, efficient, and accurate.

• Located in Isle of Capri, Gold Coast
• Bulk billing available for Medicare-eligible patients
• Fast appointments with short wait times
• All referrals accepted

👉 Book your doppler ultrasound today with Capri Ultrasound and get the answers you need, sooner.