Vascular ultrasound · Lower-limb circulation

Private Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Scan

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.

  • One or two limbs
  • No GP referral required
  • London & St Albans
  • Written clinical report
Clinician performing an arterial Doppler ultrasound examination of a limb
Arterial DopplerFrom £249One limb £249 · Two limbs £449
Duplex imagingStructure + real-time blood flow
No radiationNon-invasive diagnostic ultrasound
PAD assessmentNarrowing and reduced circulation
Self-referralBook without a GP letter

About the test

What is an arterial Doppler scan?

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.

Important: this is an arterial examination. It does not replace a dedicated DVT or venous-insufficiency scan, which assess the veins. ABPI is also a separate measurement unless the selected service specifically includes it.

Current service options

Choose one-limb or two-limb arterial Doppler

The current PrivateSono price list shows separate options according to whether one or both lower limbs need assessment.

One limb

Arterial Doppler — One Limb

£249

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 scan
Two limbs

Arterial Doppler — Two Limbs

£449

Suitable 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 scan

Clinical assessment

What can an arterial Doppler assess?

The exact protocol is tailored to the selected limb or limbs, symptoms, previous procedures and the clinical question.

01

Peripheral arterial disease

Helps identify arterial changes associated with atherosclerosis and reduced blood supply to the lower limb.

02

Arterial narrowing

Flow velocities, colour filling and spectral waveforms can help localise and assess suspected stenosis.

03

Arterial occlusion

May demonstrate absent flow in an occluded segment and altered flow patterns above or below the affected area.

04

Reduced distal circulation

Waveform changes can support assessment of reduced blood supply towards the calf, ankle and foot.

05

Aneurysmal dilatation

Accessible arterial segments may be reviewed for focal dilatation or other structural vascular abnormality where relevant.

06

Post-treatment follow-up

Selected patients may undergo surveillance after vascular intervention, bypass, angioplasty or stenting when appropriate to the requested protocol.

Arterial duplex Doppler ultrasound examination

When to consider the scan

Symptoms and vascular risk factors

An arterial Doppler may be appropriate when symptoms suggest reduced blood supply or when a clinician wants to investigate suspected peripheral arterial disease.

  • Calf, thigh or buttock pain when walking that improves with rest
  • Cold feet or a noticeable temperature difference between limbs
  • Weak or difficult-to-feel foot pulses
  • Persistent leg or foot pain where a vascular cause is suspected
  • Slow-healing wounds, ulcers or tissue changes requiring circulation assessment
  • Known diabetes, smoking history, high cholesterol or hypertension with relevant symptoms
  • Known peripheral arterial disease requiring interval review
Urgent symptoms

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

Simple preparation for lower-limb arterial Doppler

A routine leg arterial Doppler usually needs little preparation.

01

Wear loose clothing

Choose clothing that can be moved easily to expose the groin, thigh, knee, calf and ankle of the selected limb or limbs.

02

No routine fasting

Fasting is not normally required for a lower-limb arterial Doppler unless your booking confirmation gives you different instructions.

03

Bring previous results

If available, bring prior Doppler reports, vascular clinic letters, operation details, stent information or previous ABPI measurements.

04

Medication

Continue prescribed medication unless your treating clinician has specifically advised otherwise. Bring an up-to-date medication list if relevant.

Your appointment

What happens during the scan?

  1. 1

    Clinical history

    Your symptoms, vascular history, previous procedures, diabetes status, smoking history and reason for the scan are reviewed.

  2. 2

    Ultrasound and Doppler assessment

    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.

  3. 3

    Side-to-side comparison

    If both limbs are booked, corresponding arterial segments are compared. If only one limb is booked, the examination remains focused on that side.

  4. 4

    Results and next steps

    The report documents the relevant findings and may recommend GP, vascular, emergency or further imaging review depending on the result and clinical presentation.

Book online

Book your Private Arterial Doppler Ultrasound

Use the booking selector below to choose the appropriate arterial Doppler option, clinic, date and appointment time.

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  2. 2Your details
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Clinic locations

Arterial Doppler ultrasound in London and St Albans

Select your preferred location in the booking system.

Central London

27 Welbeck Street

London, W1G 8EN — Marylebone / Harley Street medical district.

View location →

St Albans

54–56 Victoria Street

St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3HZ.

View location →

Good to know

Arterial Doppler FAQs

Common questions about arterial circulation scans, PAD and ABPI.

Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377
What is an arterial Doppler ultrasound scan?

It 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.

How much does the scan cost?

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.

Do I need a GP referral?

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.

What is peripheral arterial disease?

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.

Can this scan detect a blockage?

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.

Does this scan diagnose DVT?

No. DVT affects the veins. A dedicated DVT Doppler scan is required if a deep-vein blood clot is suspected.

What is ABPI?

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.

Should I book one limb or both limbs?

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.

Do I need to fast?

Routine lower-limb arterial Doppler generally does not require fasting. Follow the instructions in your booking confirmation if they differ.

Is the scan painful?

The examination is generally comfortable. Gel and gentle probe pressure are used over the course of the arteries. Tender areas may feel briefly uncomfortable.

Is there any radiation?

No. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation.

Can the scan assess a bypass or stent?

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.

What happens if significant narrowing is found?

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.

When should I seek urgent medical help?

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.

Where is the scan available?

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

Ready to book your arterial Doppler scan?

Choose one or two limbs and select your preferred clinic and appointment time.

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Book arterial Doppler — from £249
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