We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Doppler Test?

By Jenn Walker
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 36,257
Share

A Doppler test is a non-invasive medical test used to examine blood flow through major arteries. Sometimes called a Doppler ultrasound, the test helps doctors identify blockages than can lead to health complications, such as a stroke. Doppler imaging also helps doctors diagnose conditions such as arterial occlusion, blood clots, tumors and problematic issues with arteries and veins.

A transducer, which is a handheld device, is used to conduct the test. Coated with water-soluble, Doppler gel, the transducer is placed over the skin, above a blood vessel. It emits high-frequency sound waves which bounce off the veins or arteries being tested. If the speed of the blood flow changes, the sound frequency will change noticeably. Much like the way a radar gun measures driving speed, the Doppler test measures speed and efficiency of blood flow. If blood flow is smooth and uninterrupted, the test is normal. If a blockage is present, the Doppler test results will return an abnormal report.

Abnormal results can indicate a variety of problems. Some potential issues include arterial blockage, closed veins, or tumors. A physician is required to interpret Doppler test results.

The Doppler test is also used during pregnancy to monitor blood flow. Proper flow from the mother to the baby is critical to the health of the baby. The test also allow's physicians to monitor and assess the baby's heartbeat. The machine can actually be rented by expecting parents, allowing them to perform the Doppler test at home and listen to their baby anytime.

Sometimes a color Doppler ultrasound is performed. This version of the test converts the sound wave results into colored results. Colored tests are sometimes used to identify cancerous tumors which are identified because they generally show an increase in blood flow. While doctors are skilled in reading both types of tests, the color version is typically easier to read.

Doppler tests requires almost no preparation on the patient's part. The patient simply must remove any clothing from the area to be tested. Since nicotine can affect Doppler test results — because it causes veins to constrict — patients may be required to refrain from smoking for a period before testing. Being a non-invasive test, the Doppler test causes little to no discomfort, and there is little to no risk associated with the procedure.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Markerrag — On Feb 24, 2014

Isn't Doppler radar imaging technology also used on a larger scale to predict the weather, "see" oncoming tornadoes, etc.? Or is that something completely different?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-doppler-test.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.