Venous Studies
At Providence, each diagnostic test is meant to give your doctors the ability to detect, diagnose and treat conditions that may afflict your health.
A venous study is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to search for blood clots and assess the blood flow in your arteries and veins.
Your doctor may order a venous study if you have a health problem that is causing decreased blood flow in your arteries and veins, including:
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot to the heart and lung)
- Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein with a blood clot)
- Varicose veins with ulcer and inflammation
- Post thrombotic syndrome
- Erythema (redness of the skin)
- Ulcer of lower limb
- Pain in the limb
- Swelling of the limb
- Edema (swelling from excessive accumulation of fluid)
- Respiratory abnormality
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Dyspnea (difficult of labored respiration)
- Injury to blood vessel of upper extremity
- Injury to blood vessel of lower extremity
- Discoloration of skin at the ankles
- Eczema of the ankle skin
You may receive specific instructions to not smoke or have caffeine for at least 2 hours before the test. After the exam, you may go back to your normal diet and activities unless your provider advises you differently.
Venous studies use an ultrasound probe placed on your skin. Ultrasounds do not use radiation and are safe and painless. Your provider will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Conditions, such as severe obesity, could affect the way the sonogram machine interprets the sound waves it produces and impact your venous study results. Be sure to consult your doctor if you suffer from conditions that can affect your screening.
Doctors Specializing in Venous Studies
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
