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Duplex Scan - Abdominal, Iliac, Mesenteric, Renal
A duplex scan uses sound waves to check how well the blood flows through the arteries to different areas of the body. The scans of the lower portion of the body most often include:
- An abdominal duplex examines the aorta and the common iliac artery.
- An iliac duplex scan focuses on the arteries in the lower abdomen (common, internal & external iliac).
- A mesenteric duplex looks at the arteries to the liver, spleen, stomach and intestine.
- A renal artery duplex scan examines the blood flow both to and within the kidney and the intestine.
The scans listed above can help detect a blockage in blood flow that may cause pain or other problems. Each scan, done in the Vascular Lab, takes about an hour.
Before the Test
For best results, this test should be done in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Do not smoke or have anything to eat or drink (including gum or candy) from midnight the night before the test until after the exam.
- You may take needed medicines with only small sips of water.
Day of the Test
Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Vascular Lab reception desk, (Galter Pavilion, 251 E. 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.
Preparing for the Test
- The technician (tech) will assist you in lying on your back on an exam table.
- A warm, clear gel will be applied to your abdomen.
- 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.
During the Test
- During the test, you may be asked to take a deep breath and hold for about 30 seconds. You may see the images on the monitor and hear some sounds as the tech records the blood flow.
After the Test
- The tech will provide towels to help remove the gel. You will receive test results at the end of the exam. You may resume your normal diet and activities.
- The vascular surgeon who reads the test will send the results to your referring doctor.
- Most often, these findings are sent to your doctor within 48 hours. A full report follows in about five business days.
Contact
Vascular Lab
(312) 926-2746
Review Date: 01/05
