What is the difference between a Doppler scan and a standard ultrasound?

A standard ultrasound shows anatomy — the size, shape, and structure of organs and tissues. A Doppler scan adds blood flow information, showing how blood is moving through vessels in real time. Most vascular scans combine both techniques.

Is a Doppler scan painful?

No. The scan is entirely painless and non-invasive. A gel is applied to the skin and a probe is moved over the area being assessed.

How long does the scan take?

Scan duration depends on the area being assessed. A focused leg vein Doppler takes 20–30 minutes; a comprehensive abdominal vascular assessment may take 30–40 minutes.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

What happens if a significant abnormality is found?

If a clinically significant finding is detected, your sonographer will explain the findings clearly and your written report will include recommendations for urgent or routine follow-up with the appropriate specialist.

Can I have a Doppler scan if I am pregnant?

Yes. Doppler ultrasound is safe in pregnancy and is routinely used to assess blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries during obstetric scans.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Vascular & Cardiac

Doppler Ultrasound Scan

Comprehensive assessment of blood flow through arteries and veins — detecting blockages, narrowing, and abnormal circulation patterns throughout the body.

20–40 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedVascular & Cardiac Imaging

£235

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Understanding Your Circulation — Before It Becomes a Problem

Blood flow problems rarely announce themselves with obvious symptoms until they become serious. A Doppler ultrasound scan uses the physics of sound waves to make the invisible visible — showing exactly how blood is moving through your arteries and veins in real time. Whether you have symptoms suggesting a vascular problem or want a proactive assessment of your circulatory health, a Doppler scan provides clear, immediate answers. Our private clinic in Marylebone, Central London, is available for same-day bookings — no referral required.

Clinical Overview

What is a Doppler Ultrasound Scan?

A Doppler ultrasound scan combines standard B-mode ultrasound imaging with Doppler technology to assess blood flow velocity and direction in real time. Colour Doppler maps blood flow in colour overlaid on the anatomical image, while spectral Doppler provides waveform analysis of flow patterns. This allows detection of blockages, stenosis (narrowing), turbulence, and abnormal flow in both arteries and veins. The scan is painless, non-invasive, and produces immediate results.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Individuals with leg pain, swelling, or discolouration suggesting vascular disease

Patients with suspected DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or venous insufficiency

Those with risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — diabetes, smoking, hypertension

Patients with a pulsatile abdominal mass or suspected aortic aneurysm

Anyone with neck bruits or risk factors for carotid artery disease

Patients requiring follow-up assessment after vascular surgery or stenting

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, assessed by compression and Doppler flow analysis — the gold-standard diagnostic test for DVT.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the legs, causing claudication, rest pain, or non-healing wounds.

Venous Insufficiency & Reflux

Incompetent vein valves causing blood to flow backwards, leading to varicose veins, leg swelling, and skin changes.

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerotic plaque causing narrowing of the carotid arteries, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

Aortic Aneurysm

Abnormal dilatation of the aorta, which carries a risk of life-threatening rupture if left undetected and untreated.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Clinical assessment

Your sonographer will take a brief history of your symptoms, risk factors, and any previous vascular investigations to focus the examination.

B-mode imaging

Standard ultrasound imaging of the vessels and surrounding structures to assess anatomy, wall thickness, and the presence of plaque or thrombus.

Colour Doppler assessment

Colour Doppler is applied to map blood flow direction and velocity, identifying areas of turbulence, stenosis, or absent flow.

Spectral waveform analysis

Pulsed wave Doppler provides quantitative waveform data, allowing calculation of flow velocities and resistance indices for diagnostic classification.

Report & recommendations

All findings are explained immediately. A written report is provided before you leave, with clear recommendations for management or further investigation.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
For abdominal Doppler: fast for 4–6 hours beforehand to reduce bowel gas
2
For leg or arm Doppler: no special preparation is required
3
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned
4
Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before the scan as it can affect vascular tone
5
Continue taking all prescribed medications as normal

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Doppler Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during and immediately after the scan. Doppler results are graded by severity — from normal flow to mild, moderate, or severe stenosis — with clear clinical implications for each finding. A written report is provided before you leave, suitable for your GP, cardiologist, or vascular surgeon.

Why Private?