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Carotid/Vertebral Duplex Scan

The carotid arteries, found in the neck, deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the head and brain. A carotid duplex scan (carotid imaging) is done to check the blood flow through the carotid arteries and to detect any blockage. The test takes from 30 minutes to one hour.

Before the Test
There is no preparation for the test. You may eat and take your usual medicines.

Day of the Test

Arriving at the Hospital
If you are a patient in Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a patient escort will take you to the Vascular Laboratory on the 8th floor of Feinberg Pavilion.

If you are an outpatient, check in at the Vascular Laboratory (Galter Pavilion, 201 East Huron St., 8th floor) 15 minutes before your test time. Parking is available.

Be sure to bring:

• Written doctor's order for the test
• Insurance card
• Medicare card (Medicare patients only)

For their own safety, children under the age of 16 may not visit the testing area. They may stay in the waiting room with a responsible adult.

During the Test
The exam is done by a technologist (tech) in the Vascular Laboratory. The exam is done without needles or injections and causes no discomfort.

• The tech will assist you in lying on your back on an exam table.
• A warm gel will be applied to your neck.
• The tech will move a small hand-held device (transducer) on the skin over the arteries being examined. The transducer transmits sound waves to a monitor, where images can be seen and saved for later review.
• Pictures of the arteries at various sites will be taken.
• The tech will also listen to the blood flow through these arteries and record the sound. You will be able to hear these sounds.
• There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck and both sides are always tested. The vertebral arteries that run up the back of your neck will also be examined.

After the Test

• The tech will provide towels to help remove the gel. You may resume your normal diet and activities.
• Your doctor will discuss the results of this test with you. Most often, the vascular surgeon who reads the tests will send the written results to your doctor in about five business days.

 

Review Date: 01/05