• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Carotid duplex

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Definition:

Carotid duplex is a procedure that uses ultrasound to look for plaques, blood clots , or other blood flow problems in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries, located in the neck, supply blood to the brain.

Alternative Names:

Scan - carotid duplex; Carotid ultrasound

How the test is performed:

The test is done in the peripheral vascular lab or radiology department of a hospital. You are placed on your back and your head will be supported to prevent movement.

A water-soluble gel is placed on your skin. A handheld device called a transducer is placed on the area. The transducer directs high-frequency sound waves to the arteries being tested, while the gel helps transmit the sound. The ultrasound is turned on and images of the carotid arteries and pulse wave forms are obtained.

How to prepare for the test:

No preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel:

The test is noninvasive and painless.

Why the test is performed:

The test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect narrowing in the arteries (stenosis), clotting (thrombosis), and other causes of blockage in the carotid arteries.

• Review Date: 8/22/2006
• Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.