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 Blood flow studiesHow the Test is Performed:For the Duplex/Doppler ultrasound: Clothing from the area being monitored is removed, and a transducer with conductive gel on the tip is placed on various points along the artery being tested. This enables the technician to evaluate blood flow through the vein. The information is relayed to the ultrasound monitor to be viewed and recorded. For a plethysmography : Blood pressure is first monitored in both arms. The clothing from the extremity being tested is removed and the patient lies in a supine (on the back, facing up) position. The blood pressure cuff is applied to the thigh and inflated until the pulsatile flow is on longer heard. Then the pressure is released from the cuff until the flow returns. The blood pressure is recorded and the information is transmitted to a computer that interprets and records the information. The blood pressure cuff may be moved to other positions during the test. After the readings are taken, the patient may be re-tested while sitting up. How to Prepare: Clothing over the extremity being tested will be removed just before the test. Medications that alter blood flow will be monitored before the test. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: |