Duplex scanning

Duplex Scanning

Duplex scanning is a safe, painless ultrasound test used to assess the health of your blood vessels and how well blood is flowing through them. It is a key investigation in vascular and vein care, helping your specialist identify problems such as vein reflux, narrowed arteries, or blood clots.

The scan combines two types of ultrasound. One creates clear images of your veins and arteries, while the other (Doppler) shows the speed and direction of blood flow. Together, this provides detailed, real-time information that allows your consultant to make an accurate diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment.

In our vein clinic, a duplex scan is performed as part of your initial consultation. This means your consultant can assess your veins straight away, explain the findings to you during the appointment, and discuss treatment options without delay.

Duplex scanning is also used during treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. The scan allows the specialist to accurately guide treatment, ensuring precision, safety, and the best possible results.

During the scan, a small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is gently moved over the area being examined. You may hear soft whooshing sounds, which simply represent blood flow. The scan usually takes 30–60 minutes and is completely non-invasive, with no needles, no radiation, and no recovery time.

Why is duplex scanning important for varicose veins?

Varicose veins are often caused by faulty valves within the veins, leading to blood flowing in the wrong direction (known as venous reflux). These underlying problems cannot always be seen by looking at the veins on the surface of the skin alone.

Duplex scanning allows your consultant to see exactly which veins are affected, where the reflux is coming from, and how severe it is. This information is essential for choosing the most effective treatment and avoiding unnecessary or ineffective procedures.

By mapping the veins in detail, duplex scanning helps ensure that treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or foam sclerotherapy are accurately targeted. This leads to better outcomes, reduced risk of recurrence, and treatment that is tailored specifically to your individual vein problem.