COLOUR DOPPLER :-
- Color Doppler is a type of ultrasound test wherein colours are superimposed on an image of a blood vessel that helps indicate the speed & direction of blood flow in the vessel.
- This type of ultrasound test makes use of a computer to alter sound waves into various colours. These colours display the real-time speed and direction of blood flow.
- A new kind of color doppler test called Power Doppler helps acquire more detailed info regarding blood flow compared to a standard color doppler test.
Purpose of Color Doppler Test:-
- The color doppler test helps diagnose conditions and heart diseases that are decreasing or blocking the blood flow in the heart. This test is generally used to:
- Examine heart function
- Check for blockages in blood flow
- Inspect for blood vessel damage and issues in the heart structure
- Examine for narrowing of blood vessels
- Monitor blood flow after surgery.
- Inspect for normal blood flow in a pregnant woman and her unborn baby
When is a Color Doppler Test necessary?
- When you experience symptoms of reduced blood flow or a heart disease
- Sustain injury to the blood vessels
- During ongoing treatment for a blood flow disorder
- For a pregnant woman with suspected blood flow issue in the unborn baby
Color Doppler Test Procedure
- Here is the step-by-step procedure of the color doppler test:
- You will be asked to lie on a table while exposing the area of your body to be tested
- A staff member will apply and spread a special gel on your skin over that particular area
- A handheld device named a transducer will be moved over the area
- The transducer will send sound waves into your body during this process
- You will usually hear pulse-like or swishing sounds during the test
- The waves will get recorded & converted into images/graphs with various colours on a monitor
- Once the images are captured, the gel will be wiped off your body by the staff member
- The duration of the test is normally around 30-60 minutes
Preparation for the Color Doppler Test
- You may be asked to do the following before the test:
- Remove any clothing & jewellery that may be covering the area of the body to be tested
- Avoid cigarettes and other products containing nicotine for about two hours before the test
- Fasting may sometimes be required prior to the test.