The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Private Doppler Scan
A Doppler scan is a simple diagnostic imaging test that measures blood flow through your arteries and veins. Our leading cardiologists use Doppler tests to help diagnose a range of heart and blood conditions.
At HCA UK you'll receive:
- Cardiac care ranked No.1 in the UK, with 99% of patients recommending us to friends and family
- Private Doppler test scan appointment confirmed within 24 hours
- Test results within 48 hours
Signs you might need a vascular Doppler test
If you're showing signs of decreased blood flow in the arteries surrounding your neck, arms or legs, your consultant might suggest a Doppler ultrasound.
If you're showing signs of the following conditions, you should immediately seek medical attention:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This happens when a blood clot forms in a vein which is deep inside the body. Usually, these are found in the legs, causing them to become red, swollen and painful. They're more likely to occur if you're sedentary, for example, if you've been travelling or flying.
- Atherosclerosis: Where the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to your body narrow and harden. When this involves the legs it can lead to claudication, which is calf or thigh pain that comes on when you walk.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: This is where a blood clot forms in a vein that's close to the skin's surface.
- Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger Disease): Blood vessels of the hands and feet become inflamed if you develop this rare disease.
- Vascular tumours: A Doppler ultrasound can detect growths that originate from your blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body and can form on the skin.
If you believe you might be suffering from one of these conditions, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They'll be able to carry out further testing to identify any underlying conditions. At HCA UK, we'll usually be able to arrange a GP appointment on the same or the next day to put your mind at ease. You can also make an appointment with our cardiac consultants.
Receive accurate diagnostics, led by experts
- Ranked No.1 for private cardiac care: Each year we help over 25,000 cardiac patients and perform over 50,000 diagnostic tests, more than any other private provider in the UK. 99% of patients would recommend us to their friends and family, according to our patient surveys.
- Specialist cardiologists analysing your results: We provide specialist care from the moment you contact us. Our cardiologists will review your Dopper ultrasound results, provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment options for any underlying conditions.
- Quick access to tests and results: We'll confirm your Doppler ultrasound scan within 24 hours of you getting in touch with us. You'll get your results within 48 hours, giving you the answers you need quickly.
- A holistic approach to care: We have an exceptional team of cardiologists delivering leading care across our medical facilities. Supported by remarkable multi-disciplinary teams, when you choose us, you're choosing the most personalised, effective care available.
- Leading medical facilities: We invest continuously in our facilities and technology to offer the latest tests and help you get a diagnosis. Our network of state-of-the-art hospitals includes five cardiac hospitals and 15 outpatient and diagnostic centres across the UK, with facilities in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
What is Doppler ultrasound scanning?
A Doppler ultrasound scan can be used to create a real-time image of blood flowing through your blood vessels. It creates an image by bouncing sound waves off the red blood cells in your body. It's a non-invasive test, which means we won't need to cut your skin.
What conditions can a Doppler ultrasound help detect?
Doppler ultrasound scanning can help to diagnose various conditions, including:
- Bulging (aneurysm) or blocked (arterial occlusion) arteries
- Poor function in your leg vein valves (venous insufficiency)
- Heart valve defects, congenital heart disease and weak heart function
- Reduced blood circulation in your legs, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Narrowed arteries
- Artery injuries
- Blood clots
A Doppler ultrasound is a risk-free and painless procedure. It's often preferable to more invasive tests like angiography, which involves injecting dye into the blood vessels so they show up on an X-ray. We’ll recommend the most effective and appropriate diagnostics for you.
What are the different types of Doppler ultrasound scans?
While a standard ultrasound produces images, a Doppler ultrasound can show blood flow at the same time. Sometimes called sonography or ultrasonography, this imaging test can detect for a wide variety of conditions. As such, there are many different types of Doppler ultrasound including:
- Colour Doppler: During a colour Doppler test, the computer changes the sound waves into different colours to make it easier to see the direction of blood flow.
- Duplex ultrasound: A mixture of a traditional ultrasound picture and a Doppler ultrasound, this imaging technique shows the width of blood vessels and can highlight any blockages.
- Spectral ultrasound: This technique shows blood flow over time in a graphical format.
- Power Doppler: This type of Doppler test doesn't show the direction of blood flow. Instead, it can be used to show the presence of blood flow or highlight abnormally slow blood flow. This type of imaging technique is often used to assess blood flow inside organs.
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasound: Used to examine blood flow in the brain, this type of ultrasound can be used to detect strokes or brain haemorrhages.
Your consultant will explain the most relevant type for you, so you know exactly what to expect.
What body parts can a Doppler test be used on?
A Doppler ultrasound can be used to diagnose and detect conditions that affect the blood flow in lots of body parts. Some of the most common ones include:
- Your heart: A Doppler ultrasound is part of an echocardiogram. An echo test shows the size, shape and pumping power of your heart. A Doppler ultrasound and echo can be used to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions. For example, they can identify coronary artery disease, an aneurysm in your heart, a diseased heart valve and other structural issues.
- Your neck and brain: Otherwise known as a Doppler carotid artery scan, this ultrasound of the carotid artery in your neck can help your consultant diagnose conditions that impact blood flow to your neck and brain. This is helpful when identifying the underlying cause of a stroke.
- Your abdomen: A Doppler ultrasound can check blood flow in your organs to identify aneurysms. It is also sometimes used after a transplant to see if blood is flowing through a new organ as it should.
- Your arms and legs: A Doppler ultrasound can be used on your arms and legs to check for conditions like DVT, PAD and varicose veins.
Who might need a vascular Doppler test?
Your consultant might recommend a Doppler ultrasound if you're displaying symptoms of abnormal blood flow. Your consultant will use a Doppler ultrasound to:
- Diagnose a range of disorders that impact blood flow in your legs, arms, or abdomen
- Check blood flow before or after some surgeries and treatments
- Investigate blood flow to an unborn baby in pregnancy
Specialists in private Doppler ultrasound tests and cardiac care
We can provide fast access to a Doppler ultrasound and offer the most appropriate course of treatment, if necessary, for you and your condition. You’re in safe hands - our cardiologists are ranked No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care.
FAQs about Doppler ultrasound scan
Usually, there isn't any special preparation needed for a Doppler scan. Your consultant will explain the Doppler procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the type of scan you're having and the body part, your consultant might ask you to:
- Stop eating and drinking for a few hours before the procedure.
- Quit smoking or avoid nicotine for at least two hours before the procedure. This is because nicotine can skew results as it narrows your blood vessels.
Your consultant will explain any precautions you need to take before the ultrasound.
Your scan will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes and will be carried out by one of our specialist vascular scientists.
The gel will be applied over the area of the skin that will be examined, and as the scan starts, a transducer (a handheld device) will gently press and move over your skin. This action will produce a moving, real-time image of your blood flowing through your blood vessels.
A recording is taken of the image and then sent off for analysis by one of our expert cardiologists.
The scan itself shouldn't be painful, and you'll be able to go home immediately after your appointment. The results of your scan will be available within 48 hours and your consultant will analyse them and discuss any next steps with you, including further tests if needed.
As a non-invasive test, there aren't normally any risks associated with a Doppler Ultrasound. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds aren't harmful (as they don't involve radiation exposure) and won't cause any pain.
Any results will be available within two business days of the test. Your consultant will then discuss your results with you in depth. Once you've fully understood the results of your test, your consultant will let you know about the next steps. You might need further testing or specialist treatment – both of which are available at our leading cardiology clinics.
Find a consultant cardiologist for a private Doppler scan near you
Our team of specialist consultant cardiologists are here to support you with thorough cardiac diagnostics and testing. From recommending the most effective tests to reviewing your results and recommending the most effective treatment, our team of cardiologists are committed to improving your condition.
Use our consultant finder to browse our cardiologists below. Narrow your search by expertise, experience and rating or browse individual profiles to book directly. If you're not sure which cardiologist is best suited, get in touch with us via our hotline and we'll match you with a consultant.
How to pay for your private Doppler ultrasound scan
We offer a few different payment options for our Doppler ultrasound imaging services.
If you have private medical insurance, your policy may cover the cost of the Doppler scan. You can check whether your insurance company will cover it by speaking to them about your coverage, and you can also mention HCA UK, and your preferred consultant if you have one, as your preferred option.
Alternatively, you can pay privately for your treatment using one of our secure pay-as-you-go options. We'll be able to give you an accurate quote which includes the price of your Doppler ultrasound as well as any consultations, treatments or ongoing care you may need.
Our Doppler Ultrasound Scanning locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Request an appointment for Doppler ultrasound
To book your private Doppler ultrasound scan, get in touch with our team. They'll match you with one of our specialist cardiologists based on your symptoms and confirm your appointment within 24 hours.