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vascular ultrasound

What Can a Vascular Ultrasound Detect?

July 7, 2025

If you’ve been referred for a vascular ultrasound, you might be wondering what the scan is used for and what it actually detects. Whether you’re experiencing leg swelling, suspected blood clots, or calf pain when running a vascular ultrasound provides crucial information about your circulation, fast, non-invasively, and without radiation.

It’s a common test used to assess both arteries and veins, and it can help diagnose and manage issues related to vascular disease such as risk of stroke to varicose veins. If you’re searching online ‘bulk billing ultrasound Gold Coast’, Capri Ultrasound offers specialised vascular imaging with Medicare bulk billing available for all eligible patients.

 

Understanding Vascular Ultrasound and How It Works

A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate blood flow in your arteries and veins. It helps identify blockages, clots, narrowing (stenosis), or poor valve function in veins, all without needles, radiation, or recovery time.

Doppler ultrasound technology is often used during the scan to measure the direction and speed of blood flow. This added layer of detail allows the sonographer to detect circulatory issues early, before symptoms progress.

 

Conditions a Vascular Ultrasound Can Help Diagnose

Carotid Artery Disease (Stroke Risk)

Carotid ultrasounds assess blood flow in the arteries leading to the brain. This is important for identifying the risk of stroke, which often occurs when plaque builds up and narrows these arteries. This test is commonly ordered for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of smoking.

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. An urgent vascular ultrasound is often the first step when symptoms like swelling, pain, or redness appear. Early detection is crucial to avoid complications like pulmonary embolism.

 

Aortic Aneurysms

Vascular scans of the abdomen can detect aortic aneurysms – dangerous enlargements in the main artery that supplies blood to your lower body. Capri Ultrasound routinely assesses the aorta as part of leg artery and abdominal imaging, which helps identify serious conditions before they rupture.

 

Renal Artery Narrowing

Reduced blood flow to the kidneys may lead to high blood pressure or kidney dysfunction. A renal artery ultrasound provides insight into whether artery narrowing is the cause, allowing your healthcare provider to plan appropriate management.

 

Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Many people assume varicose veins are cosmetic, but they can indicate chronic venous insufficiency, where valves in the veins don’t function properly. This condition is common and treatable, and a varicose vein ultrasound bulk billed through Medicare may be available depending on your referral.

 

Who Should Consider a Vascular Scan?

You may benefit from a vascular ultrasound if you have:

  • Symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or cold limbs
  • A personal or family history of stroke or heart disease
  • Unexplained high blood pressure or kidney issues
  • Risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, or obesity
  • An urgent referral to rule out conditions like DVT or temporal arteritis

Many of these scans are eligible for Medicare rebates, and if you’re at home googling ‘bulk billing ultrasound Gold Coast’, Capri Ultrasound provides bulk billing on most diagnostic ultrasounds where criteria are met, making it easier to access the care you need.

 

What to Expect During the Scan

Most vascular ultrasound exams take around 10 to 20 minutes. The procedure is non-invasive and painless. A sonographer will apply gel to the area being examined and move a handheld device (called a transducer) over your skin to capture images of your blood vessels.

There’s usually no special preparation required unless the arteries or veins in your abdomen are examined. You can return to your normal routine immediately after the appointment.

 

Why Choose Capri Ultrasound for Vascular Imaging?

Capri Ultrasound combines specialist knowledge with a welcoming, non-corporate environment. With over 18 years of experience, including working with vascular surgeons, the clinic performs both general and more complex and niche vascular studies including:

  • Carotid artery ultrasound for stroke prevention
  • DVT and temporal artery assessments for urgent referrals
  • Abdominal aorta imaging as part of leg artery studies
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome and varicose vein scans

If you’re searching for a reliable and affordable bulk billing ultrasound on the Gold Coast, Capri offers expert diagnostic imaging tailored to your needs, with fast report turnaround and a patient-first approach.

 

Need a Vascular Ultrasound on the Gold Coast?

Capri Ultrasound provides high-quality vascular imaging services with Medicare bulk billing available for eligible patients. Whether you’re investigating stroke risk, varicose veins, or an urgent condition like DVT, our experienced team is here to help.

📞 Contact Capri Ultrasound today to book your scan and get peace of mind with fast, expert care.

 

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