ABI + TBI

An ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement compares the blood pressure in your arm to the pressure at your ankle. It helps determine how well your blood is flowing from your heart to your feet. A toe brachial index (TBI) measurement may be required to take additional blood pressure readings at the toes. These exams are performed as a stand-alone procedure, without imaging, when requested by your health care practitioner.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• You can expect to be at the clinic between 30-60 minutes, depending on your procedure(s) and barring any unforeseen delays.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
• Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• You will be asked to lie on your back and blood pressure cuffs will be placed on both arms and both ankles.
• The blood pressure cuffs will inflate so the sonographer can take blood pressure readings. The cuffs may become tight but only for a few seconds.
• During the exam your sonographer will listen to your blood flow, so you will hear what sounds like your heartbeat. This is the blood moving through the artery and each artery checked has a slightly different sound.
• For a TBI, a small blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the big toe and a small laser sensor is placed on the bottom of the toe with tape. You will not hear noise during this exam, but the lights will dim to help the laser detect the blood flow at the surface of your skin.
• The radiologist reviews the measurements and your doctor will receive a comprehensive report on the status of your arteries.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.