Arterial Doppler — One Limb
Best when symptoms are predominantly on one side, such as one cold foot, unilateral claudication, reduced pulses or suspected arterial narrowing in one leg.
Book one-limb scanVascular ultrasound · Lower-limb circulation
A focused duplex ultrasound assessment of blood flow through the arteries of one or both legs, helping evaluate peripheral arterial disease, narrowing, blockages and reduced circulation without radiation or injections.
About the test
An arterial Doppler ultrasound, also called an arterial duplex scan, combines conventional ultrasound imaging with Doppler technology to assess the structure of the arteries and how blood moves through them.
In the lower limbs, the examination is commonly used when peripheral arterial disease (PAD), arterial stenosis, occlusion or reduced blood supply is suspected. The scan evaluates accessible arterial segments and records blood-flow waveforms and velocities at selected points.
Current service options
The current PrivateSono price list shows separate options according to whether one or both lower limbs need assessment.
Best when symptoms are predominantly on one side, such as one cold foot, unilateral claudication, reduced pulses or suspected arterial narrowing in one leg.
Book one-limb scanSuitable when symptoms affect both legs, when side-to-side comparison is clinically useful, or when a broader bilateral lower-limb arterial assessment is requested.
Book two-limb scanClinical assessment
The exact protocol is tailored to the selected limb or limbs, symptoms, previous procedures and the clinical question.
Helps identify arterial changes associated with atherosclerosis and reduced blood supply to the lower limb.
Flow velocities, colour filling and spectral waveforms can help localise and assess suspected stenosis.
May demonstrate absent flow in an occluded segment and altered flow patterns above or below the affected area.
Waveform changes can support assessment of reduced blood supply towards the calf, ankle and foot.
Accessible arterial segments may be reviewed for focal dilatation or other structural vascular abnormality where relevant.
Selected patients may undergo surveillance after vascular intervention, bypass, angioplasty or stenting when appropriate to the requested protocol.

When to consider the scan
An arterial Doppler may be appropriate when symptoms suggest reduced blood supply or when a clinician wants to investigate suspected peripheral arterial disease.
Sudden severe leg or foot pain, a newly cold or pale limb, new numbness, weakness or loss of movement can indicate acute limb ischaemia. Seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine outpatient ultrasound appointment.
Preparing for your appointment
A routine leg arterial Doppler usually needs little preparation.
Choose clothing that can be moved easily to expose the groin, thigh, knee, calf and ankle of the selected limb or limbs.
Fasting is not normally required for a lower-limb arterial Doppler unless your booking confirmation gives you different instructions.
If available, bring prior Doppler reports, vascular clinic letters, operation details, stent information or previous ABPI measurements.
Continue prescribed medication unless your treating clinician has specifically advised otherwise. Bring an up-to-date medication list if relevant.
Your appointment
Your symptoms, vascular history, previous procedures, diabetes status, smoking history and reason for the scan are reviewed.
Gel is applied and the probe is moved along the accessible arteries. Colour and spectral Doppler are used to assess flow direction, waveforms and velocities.
If both limbs are booked, corresponding arterial segments are compared. If only one limb is booked, the examination remains focused on that side.
The report documents the relevant findings and may recommend GP, vascular, emergency or further imaging review depending on the result and clinical presentation.
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Clinic locations
Select your preferred location in the booking system.
Central London
London, W1G 8EN — Marylebone / Harley Street medical district.
View location →Good to know
Common questions about arterial circulation scans, PAD and ABPI.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377It is a non-invasive duplex ultrasound that combines structural imaging with colour and spectral Doppler to assess arterial blood flow. In the legs, it is commonly used to investigate peripheral arterial disease, stenosis, occlusion and reduced circulation.
The current PrivateSono price list shows £249 for one limb and £449 for two limbs. The booking selector should be treated as the final source for the service and price you choose.
No. You may self-refer. If you have previous vascular reports, a referral letter or details of previous bypass, angioplasty or stenting, bring them with you.
Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, usually refers to narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying the limbs, commonly due to atherosclerosis. It can cause walking-related calf pain, cold feet, reduced pulses, slow wound healing and, in severe disease, pain at rest or tissue damage.
It can identify flow patterns that suggest significant stenosis or occlusion and can help localise the affected arterial segment. Further vascular imaging such as CT angiography or MR angiography may still be required for treatment planning.
No. DVT affects the veins. A dedicated DVT Doppler scan is required if a deep-vein blood clot is suspected.
ABPI stands for ankle-brachial pressure index. It compares ankle blood pressure with arm blood pressure to help quantify lower-limb circulation. It is separate unless specifically included in the booked service.
One limb is usually appropriate for clearly one-sided symptoms. Two limbs may be preferable when symptoms affect both legs or when bilateral comparison is clinically useful.
Routine lower-limb arterial Doppler generally does not require fasting. Follow the instructions in your booking confirmation if they differ.
The examination is generally comfortable. Gel and gentle probe pressure are used over the course of the arteries. Tender areas may feel briefly uncomfortable.
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation.
Selected vascular grafts, bypasses or treated arterial segments may be assessable, but surveillance protocols vary. Provide the clinic with the operation or intervention details before your appointment when possible.
The report will describe the finding and recommend appropriate clinical follow-up. Depending on severity and symptoms, this may include GP review, vascular specialist assessment or further angiographic imaging.
Sudden severe limb pain, a cold or pale foot, new numbness, weakness or loss of movement can indicate acute limb ischaemia. Seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
PrivateSono offers appointments at 27 Welbeck Street in Central London and 54–56 Victoria Street in St Albans, subject to service availability.
Private vascular ultrasound
Choose one or two limbs and select your preferred clinic and appointment time.