What is an Upper Extremity Venous Ultrasound and what does it do?
An Upper Extremity Ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow through major veins in the arms. The most common reason for a venous ultrasound exam is to search for blood clots. This condition is often referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
Doppler ultrasound is used to measure your blood flow and blood pressure by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off circulating red blood cells. A regular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images, but can’t show blood flow. A Doppler ultrasound can estimate how fast blood flows by measuring the rate of change in its pitch (frequency).
Who performs the test?
An ultrasonographer specifically trained or certified in Ultrasound imaging.
Where does it take place?
Jackson Hospital Outpatient Center Hudnall Building, Room 110, located adjacent to the Hospital.
How long does it take?
This exam generally takes about 30 minutes to complete.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Bring your doctor’s orders with you when you come for your scheduled exam.
- Wear comfortable, easy to remove clothing.
- Follow all preparation instructions given to you by your physician’s office. If you have any questions, please call us for clarification. We want your exam to be as successful as possible.
What should I do before the exam?
No special preparation is needed for this study.
What happens during the exam?
First, the technologist will explain the exam and may ask you historical questions that aid in obtaining a more diagnostic exam. You may be asked to undress above the waist and a drape a towel may be placed over you. Remove all jewelry from your head or around your neck.
You will lie on your back on a padded exam table. Warmed gel will be spread on your arm(s) to improve the quality of the sound waves. A small handheld unit called a transducer is pressed against your skin and moved back and forth over it. A picture of the blood vessels can be seen on a video monitor. You will need to lie very still while the ultrasound scan is being done.
Doppler sonography is performed using the same transducer.
What should I do after the exam?
The radiologist will review your image(s) and a final report will go to your ordering physician in 24-48 hours.
Contact Information:
Ultrasound Department (at main hospital): (850) 718-2582
Ultrasound Department (at OP Center): (850) 526-6702
Radiology Department: (850) 718-2580
Hospital (main operator): (850) 526-2200
4250 Hospital Drive • Marianna, Florida 32446-1917 • 850-526-2200