A complete guide to your lower extremity venous ultrasound — a scan that checks for blood clots, venous insufficiency, and valve dysfunction in the veins of your legs.
Many patients have never had this type of scan before. Here is exactly what will happen — no surprises.
Completely painless and non-invasive. Ultrasound uses sound waves — no radiation, no needles, no discomfort. Most patients find the experience relaxing.
You start lying on your back. For portions of the exam you may be asked to sit up or stand briefly — this is normal and helps assess valve function.
The common femoral vein at the groin is the starting point. Gel is applied and the sonographer begins imaging and compression testing.
The probe compresses the vein at regular intervals. A normal vein collapses completely. A vein that does not compress suggests a clot.
Each major deep vein is traced from the groin down through the thigh and into the calf — the popliteal, tibial, and calf muscle veins.
Doppler imaging checks for reflux — backward blood flow when you breathe or squeeze your calf — indicating valve dysfunction.
Your report documents any clots found, their location and extent, valve competency at each level, and recommended next steps.
Your cardiologist report is written in plain language, but here are the specific measurements and terms you may encounter — and exactly what they mean.
Whether each vein segment collapses completely under probe pressure. Non-compressibility is the primary diagnostic criterion for DVT.
Acute clots appear soft and echogenic; chronic clots are harder and may be partially recanalized. The distinction affects urgency of treatment.
Backward flow of more than 0.5 seconds in deep veins or 1 second in superficial veins is considered abnormal and indicates valve insufficiency.
Squeezing the calf should produce a surge of flow in the vein above — absence suggests obstruction between the squeeze point and the measurement point.
The great and small saphenous veins (the main superficial veins) are also assessed for incompetence — important if varicose vein treatment is being considered.
Normal veins show spontaneous phasic flow that varies with breathing. Absent spontaneous flow in a deep vein suggests proximal obstruction.
Your report will clearly state whether follow-up is needed and how urgently. Here is what each outcome typically means.
No significant abnormalities. Share your report with your primary care physician. Consider repeat screening in 1–3 years based on your risk profile.
Minor findings that warrant monitoring. Your report will specify follow-up timing and any lifestyle recommendations.
Clinically significant findings requiring physician review. Your report will indicate appropriate urgency.
Findings requiring prompt evaluation. We will contact you directly in addition to delivering your report.
A lower extremity venous ultrasound requires minimal preparation. Here is what to know before your appointment.
Explore our clinical service page, related articles, and booking options for your venous screening.
No fasting is required for a lower extremity venous ultrasound. Wear loose-fitting pants or shorts for easy access to both legs. Continue all medications as prescribed, including blood thinners. The scan takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is completely painless.
A board-certified cardiologist reviews your venous images and delivers a written clinical report within 24–48 hours via secure email. The report documents any clots found, their location and extent, valve competency at each level, and recommended next steps.
BlackPoint Diagnostics is a direct-pay service at $397 per scan, all-inclusive. No insurance pre-authorization or referral is required. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
Yes. A lower extremity venous ultrasound is completely non-invasive — no sedation, no needles, no contrast dye. You can drive, return to work, and resume all normal activities immediately after the scan.
Your cardiologist report will document the location, extent, and characteristics of any clot found and classify it as acute or chronic. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically requires prompt medical follow-up. For significant findings, our team contacts you directly in addition to delivering your report.
No referral needed. $397 all-inclusive. Results from a board-certified cardiologist within 24–48 hours.