Carotid Artery Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the carotids is a non-invasive screening exam used to detect narrowing of the carotid artery caused by cholesterol build up.
Pictures are obtained by three methods: gray scale (black and white), spectral doppler (noise and graphic display), and color doppler (color display similar to "weather doppler").

There is a carotid artery located on each side of the neck. The carotid arteries take blood to the brain. If the blood supply to the brain is decreased or stopped, a stroke may result.

There is no patient preparation for this exam. You simply lie on an exam table in a slightly darkened room. The sonographer will ask you a brief medical history. A transducer (probe) will be placed on your neck area with ultrasound gel. During the exam, you will hear some noises. These noises are caused by blood moving through the arteries as the heart pumps.

Please allow at least one hour for the exam to be performed. Your results will be sent to your doctor.

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