Vascular Doppler ultrasound · London & St Albans
Private Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Scan
A focused, non-invasive ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries in the neck, assessing blood flow, visible atherosclerotic plaque and arterial narrowing with colour and spectral Doppler.
- No GP referral required
- No radiation or injections
- Written vascular ultrasound report
About the examination
What is a carotid Doppler scan?
The carotid arteries run through the neck and supply blood towards the brain. A carotid Doppler scan combines standard ultrasound imaging with Doppler measurements to examine the artery walls and assess how blood is moving through the vessels.
The examination can help identify visible plaque, assess arterial narrowing and document blood-flow patterns. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, cardiovascular risk factors and any previous medical or vascular investigations.
Scan scope
What can the scan assess?
Your carotid arteries are examined systematically using B-mode imaging, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler measurements where appropriate.
Atherosclerotic plaque
Assessment for visible plaque or fatty deposits along the accessible carotid artery walls, including plaque location and sonographic appearance where relevant.
Arterial narrowing
Evaluation for stenosis or obstruction using vessel appearance together with Doppler blood-flow patterns and velocity measurements.
Blood-flow velocities
Spectral Doppler is used to record flow characteristics and velocities in key carotid segments as part of the vascular assessment.
Carotid bifurcation
Focused review of the common carotid artery, bifurcation and accessible internal and external carotid artery segments.
Flow disturbance
Colour Doppler can demonstrate altered or turbulent flow associated with narrowing and other haemodynamically relevant changes.
Comparison of both sides
The right and left carotid systems are assessed so that focal or asymmetric findings can be documented in the report.
When it may be useful
Who may consider carotid Doppler?
A carotid Doppler examination may be requested as part of the assessment of vascular risk, previous cerebrovascular symptoms or a known carotid abnormality.
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes or significant cardiovascular risk factors
- Smoking history or strong family history of vascular disease
- Previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- A carotid bruit or suspected carotid artery disease
- Follow-up of a previously documented carotid plaque or stenosis when clinically advised
Do not wait for a routine private ultrasound if you develop sudden facial droop, arm weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, sudden loss of vision, severe new imbalance or another acute neurological deficit. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Before your appointment
Preparing for a carotid Doppler scan
No routine fasting
An isolated carotid Doppler examination does not usually require fasting. Follow any specific instructions provided with your booking.
Keep the neck accessible
Wear a loose or open-neck top if possible. Necklaces and other items around the neck may need to be removed for the examination.
Continue medication
Continue prescribed medication unless your own clinician has specifically advised otherwise. Bring a medication list if it is relevant to your vascular history.
Bring previous results
Previous carotid ultrasound, CT/MR angiography, vascular letters and relevant cardiovascular results can be useful for comparison.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
- 1
Clinical history
Your practitioner reviews the reason for the scan, relevant symptoms, vascular risk factors and previous imaging where available.
- 2
Ultrasound examination
You lie on the examination couch with the neck gently positioned to allow access. Ultrasound gel is applied and the probe is moved along both sides of the neck.
- 3
Colour and spectral Doppler
Blood-flow direction, patterns and velocity measurements are recorded in the relevant carotid artery segments.
- 4
Report and next steps
The findings are documented in a written report. Where clinically appropriate, further GP, vascular, cardiology or additional imaging review may be recommended.
Why PrivateSono
Focused vascular imaging with clear reporting
Book directly at our Central London or St Albans clinic for a clinically focused carotid Doppler examination and written report.
View carotid appointments — £249Self-referral
Book directly without waiting for a GP referral.
Colour Doppler
Real-time vascular imaging with flow assessment.
Bilateral assessment
Both sides of the neck are examined within the scan protocol.
Clear report
Findings and relevant recommendations are documented for onward care.
Clinic locations
Carotid Doppler ultrasound in London and St Albans
Use the same secure booking page to choose the available clinic, date and appointment time.
Good to know
Carotid Doppler FAQs
Patient-friendly answers about the scan, its scope and what happens next.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377What is a carotid Doppler ultrasound scan?
It is a non-invasive ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries in the neck. Standard ultrasound shows the vessel walls and visible plaque, while Doppler assesses blood-flow direction, pattern and velocity.
How much does the scan cost?
The standalone PrivateSono carotid Doppler ultrasound is listed at £249. Use the booking page to check current appointment availability before confirming.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer. Please bring relevant medical history, medication details and any previous carotid or vascular imaging if available.
What does the scan look for?
The examination assesses visible atherosclerotic plaque, narrowing or obstruction and blood-flow characteristics in the accessible carotid arteries.
Can carotid Doppler assess stroke risk?
It can identify carotid artery disease that may contribute to cerebrovascular risk, but stroke has multiple possible causes. A carotid scan should therefore be interpreted within the wider cardiovascular and neurological clinical picture.
Does a normal scan mean I cannot have a stroke?
No. A normal carotid ultrasound does not exclude heart rhythm disorders, small-vessel disease, intracranial vascular disease or other causes of stroke and TIA.
Is the examination painful?
Most people find the scan comfortable. Gel is applied to the neck and gentle pressure is used with the ultrasound probe. No needles or injections are normally required.
Does carotid ultrasound use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves and does not expose you to ionising radiation.
Do I need to fast?
No fasting is usually required for a standalone carotid Doppler scan. If you are having another scan at the same appointment, follow the preparation instructions supplied for that combined examination.
What should I wear?
A loose or open-neck top is helpful so both sides of the neck can be accessed easily. Necklaces may need to be removed during the scan.
Can the scan measure how severe a narrowing is?
Ultrasound findings and Doppler velocity measurements can help grade carotid stenosis. If the findings are significant or technically uncertain, additional vascular imaging or specialist review may be recommended.
Can it detect plaque before I have symptoms?
Visible carotid plaque can sometimes be identified in people without symptoms. Whether screening is appropriate for you depends on your overall risk profile and clinical context.
What happens if significant carotid disease is found?
Your report will describe the findings and recommend appropriate next steps. Depending on severity and symptoms, this may include GP review, cardiovascular risk-factor management, vascular specialist assessment or further imaging.
What if I have sudden weakness or speech difficulty now?
Do not wait for a routine carotid ultrasound. Sudden facial droop, arm weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, sudden visual loss or another acute neurological symptom requires immediate emergency medical assessment.
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 current appointment availability.
PrivateSono vascular ultrasound
Ready to book your carotid Doppler scan?
Choose your clinic and available appointment through the secure booking page.