Preparing for Ultrasounds and Arterial Exams

Review the checklist below to prepare for your ultrasound or arterial exam.

Vascular evaluation and testing at Allegheny Vein & Vascular - Bradford, PA.

How to prepare for your ultrasound or physiologic arterial exam

1. For all testing at AVV, we kindly ask that you bathe thoroughly the morning of the exam and wear clean clothing. Please refrain from wearing any strong scents like perfume. Our technologists would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation.

2. Take weather and road construction into consideration – while we would always rather you be on time, we don’t want anyone getting into an accident because they were rushing to their ultrasound appointment. If you run into conditions that will make you late, please pull over to a safe location and call our office to let us know.

3. Show up! Each of our techs has limited number of time slots per week to perform ultrasounds. If you miss your appointment, it is a time slot someone else could have had.

4. Wear loose clothing with elastic waistbands – particularly if you need help removing and putting on pants.

5. If you are in a wheelchair and unable to transfer with minimal assistance to a bed – please make the scheduler aware of this when making your ultrasound appointment. We may have to make arrangements with your nursing facility or family member.

6. If you require supplemental oxygen, please bring extra bottles along with you to the testing room.

7. If you have bladder or bowel control issues, please bring and extra pair or two of absorbent undergarments, and even a change of fresh pants may be helpful in some cases.

8. Please make use of our bathroom facilities prior to exam. We have a bathroom in the waiting room and one by the ultrasound rooms. If you need to use a restroom during the exam, let the tech know and they will direct you to the nearest one.

9. If you have trouble walking, please bring a cane, walker, or wheelchair with you as the testing rooms are in the back of the building – approximately 100 feet from our main entrance.

10. We may ask you to fast for an abdominal study. This means no food or water – except as needed for taking medication – beginning at midnight, the night prior to your test.

11. If you are diabetic, be aware that our ultrasounds may take up to 2 hours – and some are fasting – so bring snacks or juice drinks, or whatever you normally would bring with you to make sure you do not have a problem.

12. If you are uncomfortable having an ultrasound tech of a different gender perform your test, please let the scheduler know at the time you make your appointment and we will try our best to accommodate you.

13. If you have back, neck, or other musculoskeletal issues, let our techs know. We will try our best to make you comfortable.

What to expect during your test

Our techs will introduce themselves and verify with you what exam is being performed. You will be asked to remove some clothing depending on what exam is being performed, however, you will be provided with a gown and or blanket for cover.

How long will my test take?

Below is the amount of time provided on the schedule for each exam. It is the average amount of time it takes our techs to perform the exam. Your exam may take longer for a number of reasons including but not limited to: complicated anatomy, patient body habitus or mobility, as well as presence of bowel gas or other factors outside of our control. We ask that you be patient! Our technologists will do their best to stay on-time but they will take extra time to provide all of our patients with the best quality exam.

Venous Ultrasounds
DVT – 1 hour per leg
IVC filter surveillance – 1 hour
Lower Extremity Reflux (PreVNUS) 1.25 hour minimum
May Thurner Diagnostic or Surveillance – 1 hour
Vein mapping for bypass – 1 hour per leg
Vein mapping for dialysis access – 1 hour per arm

Arterial physiologic Exams
FloLab – 1 hr

Arterial Ultrasounds
Carotid – 1 hour
Aorta – 1 hour
Renal – 1 hour
Lower Extremity Arterial – 1 hour per leg
Upper Extremity Arterial – 1 hour per arm

Dialysis Access Ultrasound – 1 hour

ALL THINGS VASCULAR

A great place to learn about all things vascular.

Take time to learn about the vascular system and how it functions.

Learn about venous and arterial vascular conditions that affect the body.

Explore treatments & procedures offered through Allegheny Vein & Vascular.

Learn about the examinations and testing protocols vascular patients receive.