Urgent venous Doppler • DVT assessment

Private DVT Doppler ultrasound scan

A focused venous duplex ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis, one-sided leg swelling, calf or thigh pain, warmth or tenderness — using vein compression and Doppler blood-flow assessment with urgent reporting and clear next-step advice.

Book DVT scan — from £249 Call 020 7101 3377
  • No GP referral required
  • Central London & St Albans
  • One or both limbs
DVT Doppler ultrasound examination of a patient's leg
£249One limb
£449Both limbs
20–30 min / limbApproximate scan time
Urgent assessmentFor suspected limb DVT
0 radiationNon-invasive ultrasound

What is a DVT Doppler ultrasound scan?

A DVT Doppler scan, also called venous duplex or compression ultrasound, examines the deep veins for signs of blood clot. The practitioner assesses whether veins compress normally and uses colour and spectral Doppler to evaluate venous blood flow. NICE recommends rapid proximal leg-vein ultrasound as part of the diagnostic pathway when DVT is clinically likely; ultrasound findings must therefore be interpreted alongside appropriate clinical assessment and, where indicated, D-dimer testing.

Scan coverage

What the DVT Doppler ultrasound assesses

The examination focuses on the venous system of the symptomatic limb, looking for acute or chronic thrombus and other relevant venous findings.

01

Common femoral vein

Assesses compressibility, lumen appearance and venous flow at the groin.

02

Femoral vein

Reviews the femoral vein along the thigh for compression, visible thrombus and flow.

03

Profunda femoris vein

The proximal profunda femoris vein is assessed where technically visible.

04

Popliteal vein

Examines the deep vein behind the knee for normal compression and blood flow.

05

Calf veins

Posterior tibial, peroneal and other calf veins are reviewed where technically accessible.

06

Vein compressibility

Compression ultrasound tests whether the vein walls fully appose, an important feature in DVT assessment.

07

Doppler blood flow

Colour and spectral Doppler help assess flow, respiratory variation and evidence of venous obstruction.

08

Superficial thrombosis

Relevant superficial veins may be reviewed for thrombophlebitis or clot where symptoms indicate.

09

Chronic DVT changes

Previous thrombosis may leave residual clot, wall thickening, scarring or post-thrombotic change.

Important: a DVT Doppler scan evaluates veins in the limb being examined. It does not image the lungs, cannot rule out pulmonary embolism and does not replace the complete NICE diagnostic pathway where Wells score, D-dimer, repeat imaging or urgent medical treatment may be required.

Symptoms and risk

When urgent DVT assessment may be appropriate

DVT symptoms are not always specific. New unilateral swelling or pain should be assessed promptly, particularly when risk factors are present.

One-sided leg swelling

New swelling affecting one calf, thigh or the whole leg can occur with DVT.

Calf or thigh pain

New unexplained pain or tenderness, particularly along the deep venous distribution.

Warmth or redness

The affected limb may feel warmer or appear redder or more discoloured than the opposite side.

Recent surgery

Major surgery, hospital admission or reduced mobility can increase venous thromboembolism risk.

Long-distance travel

Prolonged immobility during long flights or journeys may contribute to clotting risk.

Previous DVT or PE

A history of venous thromboembolism increases the importance of promptly assessing new symptoms.

Cancer or medical illness

Active cancer and some acute or chronic illnesses can increase DVT risk.

Hormonal or pregnancy-related risk

Pregnancy, the postpartum period and oestrogen-containing medication can affect clot risk; suspected DVT needs appropriate urgent clinical assessment.

Transparent options

Choose one limb or both limbs

The same venous duplex technique is used. The correct option depends on where symptoms are present and the clinical reason for examination.

Targeted DVT scan

One limb — £249

For symptoms affecting one leg or one arm, including unilateral swelling, pain, warmth or tenderness.

  • One symptomatic limb assessed
  • Deep venous compression ultrasound
  • Doppler blood-flow assessment
  • Relevant superficial veins where indicated
  • Written report and urgent advice if positive
Book one limb

Bilateral assessment

Both limbs — £449

For bilateral symptoms, selected high-risk situations or where both sides require venous assessment.

  • Both corresponding limbs assessed
  • Bilateral deep venous assessment
  • Doppler blood-flow comparison
  • Relevant superficial veins where indicated
  • Written report and urgent advice if positive
Book both limbs

Before your appointment

How to prepare for your DVT Doppler ultrasound

No fasting, full bladder or special dietary preparation is normally required.

01

Wear loose clothing

The whole symptomatic limb may need to be exposed, from the groin to the ankle for a leg DVT assessment.

02

Bring medication details

Tell the practitioner about anticoagulants, hormone therapy and other relevant medication.

03

Bring previous reports

Previous DVT scans are particularly useful when distinguishing new thrombosis from chronic post-thrombotic change.

04

Tell us your risk factors

Mention recent surgery, hospital admission, immobility, long-distance travel, cancer, pregnancy/postpartum status and previous DVT or PE.

If symptoms are severe or you have chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse or severe dizziness, seek emergency care rather than travelling to a routine private scan.

What happens

Your DVT ultrasound appointment step by step

The scan is external and uses a combination of real-time imaging, vein compression and Doppler assessment.

  1. 1

    Symptoms and risk history

    The practitioner reviews the affected limb, onset of symptoms, previous thrombosis, recent surgery or travel and relevant medication.

  2. 2

    Compression ultrasound

    Gel is applied and the deep veins are examined at multiple levels. Gentle probe pressure is used to test whether the veins compress normally.

  3. 3

    Doppler flow assessment

    Colour and spectral Doppler are used where appropriate to evaluate venous flow and evidence of obstruction.

  4. 4

    Results and urgent next steps

    The main findings are explained after the scan. If DVT is identified, urgent medical treatment is required and the report supports onward NHS or private care.

Clinical limitations

A negative scan may not always end the diagnostic pathway

Ultrasound is central to DVT diagnosis, but the correct pathway depends on clinical probability and other investigations.

  • NICE recommends use of the two-level DVT Wells score when DVT is suspected.
  • When DVT is clinically likely, proximal leg-vein ultrasound should be obtained rapidly.
  • A D-dimer test may be required depending on the ultrasound result and clinical probability.
  • If an initial proximal ultrasound is negative but D-dimer is positive, NICE recommends repeat proximal ultrasound 6–8 days later.
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms still require medical review even after a negative private scan.
Compression + Doppler ultrasound

A focused vascular assessment with no ionising radiation and no routine injection of contrast material.

Why PrivateSono

Fast access to private venous Doppler ultrasound

Self-referral DVT Doppler appointments are available at Central London and St Albans, with focused vascular assessment, same-day explanation of key findings and a formal written report.

Book DVT scan — from £249
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Self-referral

No GP referral is normally needed to book.

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Vascular Doppler

Compression ultrasound plus real-time venous blood-flow assessment.

✓

One or both limbs

Select the option appropriate to your symptoms and clinical need.

✓

Same-day explanation

Key scan findings are explained after the examination.

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Written report

Formal findings for GP, A&E, anticoagulation service or specialist review.

✓

Clear escalation

Urgent onward medical treatment is advised if DVT is demonstrated.

Clinic locations

Private DVT Doppler scan in London and St Albans

Use the booking widget below to view eligible appointments or call if you need help choosing one-limb or both-limbs assessment.

Central London

27 Welbeck Street

London, W1G 8EN — close to the Harley Street and Marylebone medical district.

View booking options

St Albans

54–56 Victoria Street

St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3HZ — conveniently located near the city centre and station.

View booking options

Patient questions

DVT Doppler ultrasound FAQs

Answers about symptoms, scan coverage, preparation, prices, limitations and what happens when DVT is identified.

Urgent booking query? Call 020 7101 3377
What is a DVT Doppler ultrasound scan?

A DVT Doppler ultrasound, also called venous duplex ultrasound, is a non-invasive scan that uses real-time ultrasound, vein-compression techniques and Doppler blood-flow assessment to look for deep vein thrombosis in a symptomatic limb.

What symptoms can suggest DVT?

Possible symptoms include new one-sided leg swelling, calf or thigh pain, tenderness, warmth, redness or skin colour change. Symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, so clinical assessment may also be required.

Which veins are assessed during a leg DVT scan?

The scan commonly assesses the common femoral, femoral and popliteal veins, with profunda femoris, posterior tibial, peroneal and other calf veins examined where technically possible and clinically appropriate. Relevant superficial veins may also be reviewed.

Can DVT ultrasound detect a clot in the calf?

Calf veins can be assessed where technically possible. Visualisation may be more difficult in some people because of swelling, body habitus, limited mobility or vessel depth. Further clinical review or repeat imaging may be needed when suspicion remains.

Can this scan rule out a pulmonary embolism?

No. A limb Doppler ultrasound does not image the lungs and cannot rule out pulmonary embolism. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, collapse or severe dizziness requires emergency assessment and should not be delayed by a private ultrasound appointment.

Do I need a GP referral for a private DVT scan?

No GP referral is normally required for PrivateSono self-referral. However, suspected DVT is an urgent medical problem and ultrasound should form part of appropriate clinical assessment rather than delaying urgent treatment where needed.

How should I prepare for the DVT scan?

No fasting or full bladder is required. Wear loose clothing that allows the whole symptomatic limb to be examined. Bring a medication list, details of blood thinners, previous DVT reports and information about recent surgery, long-distance travel or hospital admission.

How long does a DVT Doppler ultrasound take?

A one-limb DVT ultrasound commonly takes around 20 to 30 minutes. A bilateral examination may take longer depending on symptoms, anatomy, mobility and the extent of venous assessment required.

What happens if a DVT is found?

If ultrasound demonstrates a DVT, urgent medical treatment is required. The ultrasound service can provide the scan findings and report, but anticoagulation or other treatment must be prescribed and managed by an appropriate doctor, emergency department or anticoagulation service.

How much does a private DVT Doppler ultrasound cost?

PrivateSono currently lists the DVT Doppler ultrasound at £249 for one limb. The related bilateral DVT service is £449 for both limbs. Use the booking section to select the appropriate option and current appointment availability.

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Urgent private vascular ultrasound

Book a focused DVT Doppler assessment

One limb £249 • Both limbs £449 • Central London & St Albans

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