Carotid and Vertebral Artieries Ultrasound

Carotid, vertebral, and subclavian arteries ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood vessels of the body, which are called the veins and arteries. These exams are often ordered to check the flow of blood to brain and assess the risk for a stroke.

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 remove your top and put on a gown or you can wear a top that allows easy access to your neck.
• You will be asked to lie down on the bed with a pillow or small support under your neck and shoulders.
• A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned.
• Your sonographer will move the probe along the right and left side of your neck from your collarbone to your jaw line. Only light pressure is necessary, so please let us know if it’s uncomfortable.
• A series of images is acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the arteries.
• During the exam 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.
• The radiologist reviews the images and 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.