# Venous Duplex ultrasound

> Specialised, non-invasive ultrasound scan with no radiation, which combines imaging (to see the veins) and Doppler (to study the direction and speed of blood flow), used to detect venous reflux, thrombosis, or the after-effects of thrombosis, and to plan varicose vein treatment.

**URL:** https://clinicadrmolina.es/en/venous-doppler-ultrasound-varicose-veins/

- **Where it is applied:** Veins of the leg (superficial, deep, and perforator venous systems)
- **Prior preparation:** In most cases no special preparation is needed: fasting is not required; comfortable clothing is recommended, and it helps to bring any relevant reports or previous tests.
- **How it is performed:** Gel is applied to the skin and a transducer is moved along the leg (groin, thigh, knee, calf, ankle), usually with the patient standing to assess venous insufficiency, performing manoeuvres such as the Valsalva manoeuvre or gentle compressions to assess flow.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does venous Duplex ultrasound hurt?

It usually does not hurt. It is an ultrasound scan performed on the skin with gel and a transducer. There may be pressure in some areas, but it is a test that is generally very well tolerated.

### Does it involve radiation?

NO . Duplex ultrasound uses ultrasound waves, not radiation.

### Do I need to fast?

For a venous Duplex ultrasound of the legs, fasting is usually not necessary.

### Why is it sometimes performed standing?

Because venous reflux is more clearly demonstrated when blood has to rise against gravity. When studying venous insufficiency and varicose veins, the standing position usually provides more reliable information.

### Can it diagnose thrombosis?

YES , it is a fundamental test in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis in the legs, always within an appropriate medical assessment.

### Does it help decide varicose vein treatment?

YES . In most cases, it provides essential information to diagnose the problem, locate the origin of the reflux, and plan treatment.

### Is Duplex ultrasound always needed when there are spider veins?

YES . Before deciding on treatment for spider veins, it is necessary to rule out certain problems that could make that treatment ineffective or even dangerous for the patient, or that could make it more advisable to plan the order of treatments differently.

### Can it be normal even if I have symptoms?

YES . Not all leg discomfort is due to venous disease. If Duplex ultrasound does not show abnormalities that explain the symptoms, other causes may need to be assessed.

### Does the result mean I have to have surgery?

NO . Duplex ultrasound helps guide decisions, but the indication for treatment depends on the symptoms, signs, clinical context, patient preferences, and the specialist’s assessment.


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**About the clinic: Dr. Jorge Molina – Clínica de varices en Valencia**

Hospital LA SALUD, Consultas Externas, Planta 2ª, Consultas 211-212. Calle Dr. Manuel Candela, 41, 46021 Valencia, España.

- Phone / WhatsApp: +34 641 630 466
- Book an appointment online: https://clinicadrmolina.es/en/online-booking/