Private vascular Doppler • London & St Albans

Private Varicose Vein Ultrasound Scan

A specialist duplex Doppler examination that maps the veins in one or both legs, assesses venous valve function and identifies reflux associated with varicose veins, aching, heaviness, swelling and chronic venous insufficiency.

Book varicose vein scan Call 020 7101 3377
  • No GP referral required
  • Venous reflux mapping
  • One or both legs
  • Written report
Lower-leg ultrasound examination at London Private Ultrasound
Varicose vein DopplerFrom £249Two limbs £449
One limbCurrently £249
Two limbsCurrently £449
30–40 minTypical one-limb mapping
No radiationDuplex Doppler ultrasound

Direct answer

What is a varicose vein ultrasound scan?

A varicose vein ultrasound is a venous duplex Doppler examination. It combines high-resolution ultrasound images with Doppler blood-flow assessment to show which veins are open, how the valves are functioning and whether blood is flowing backwards—known as venous reflux.

The scan is more than a cosmetic review of visible veins. It can map the great and small saphenous systems, relevant junctions, tributaries, perforators and deep veins so that the source and extent of venous insufficiency can be documented and, when needed, used for treatment planning.

Sudden swelling or possible DVT?

This page is for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. If you have sudden one-sided calf or thigh swelling, pain, warmth or redness—especially after surgery, immobility, pregnancy/postpartum, cancer treatment or long-distance travel—you may need an urgent DVT Doppler scan instead. Chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse or coughing blood requires emergency assessment.

When to consider scanning

What can a varicose vein Doppler help assess?

The examination is designed for symptoms and visible signs of venous reflux and chronic venous insufficiency.

01

Visible varicose veins

Map dilated superficial veins and identify the underlying source of reflux rather than assessing appearance alone.

02

Aching or heavy legs

Assess whether venous valve failure and reflux may be contributing to heaviness, discomfort or end-of-day symptoms.

03

Leg or ankle swelling

Review the venous system when chronic dependent swelling may be associated with venous insufficiency.

04

Skin changes

Investigate venous reflux in people with pigmentation, venous eczema, lipodermatosclerosis or other chronic lower-leg skin change.

05

Venous ulcer assessment

Map superficial and deep venous incompetence where chronic venous disease may be contributing to recurrent or slow-healing lower-leg ulcers.

06

Before vein treatment

Provide a treatment-relevant venous map before endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy or vascular consultation when appropriate.

Venous
Reflux
Mapping
Duplex Doppler assessment

What we assess

Veins and measurements reviewed during the scan

  • Deep venous patency: relevant common femoral, femoral, popliteal and calf-vein segments where clinically appropriate.
  • Superficial venous system: great and small saphenous veins and their junctions.
  • Venous reflux: abnormal reverse flow after appropriate provocation or compression-release manoeuvres.
  • Vein calibre: diameters of relevant superficial veins and incompetent segments.
  • Tributaries and perforators: selected abnormal branches or perforating veins when relevant to mapping.
  • Skin and soft-tissue context: associated oedema or superficial abnormalities visible on ultrasound where relevant.
Why standing matters: reflux is often best assessed when the veins are appropriately filled. Parts of the examination may therefore be performed standing or in a supported upright position, depending on mobility and safety.

Understanding the report

What the Doppler measurements mean

Venous reflux is interpreted alongside anatomy, symptoms and the full duplex examination rather than from one number alone.

AssessmentWhat is measuredWhy it matters
Valve functionDirection and duration of reverse flowHelps identify incompetent venous valves and reflux.
Vein mappingWhich superficial, deep and perforating veins are affectedProvides an anatomical map for treatment planning.
Vein diameterCalibre of relevant saphenous and tributary veinsSupports description of disease extent and treatment-relevant anatomy.
Deep vein patencyCompressibility and Doppler flow where appropriateHelps identify obstruction or other deep venous abnormalities seen during the examination.
Important: this page intentionally avoids presenting a single Doppler threshold as a stand-alone diagnosis. Reflux criteria vary by venous segment and protocol, and the result should be interpreted by the vascular clinician in the context of the complete examination.

Preparation

How to prepare for your varicose vein scan

01

No fasting

You can usually eat, drink and take prescribed medication as normal unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.

02

Wear loose clothing

The leg may need to be exposed from the groin to the ankle. Shorts or loose clothing are helpful.

03

Avoid heavy creams

Please avoid applying heavy moisturiser, oil or fake tan to the leg immediately before the scan.

04

Bring prior results

Bring previous venous Doppler reports, vein-treatment records or vascular letters if available.

Tell the clinician about previous DVT, vein surgery, ablation, sclerotherapy, pregnancy, ulcers, compression therapy or anticoagulant medication.

What happens

Your varicose vein ultrasound appointment

A one-limb venous insufficiency scan commonly takes around 30–40 minutes; bilateral mapping usually takes longer.

  1. 1

    Clinical history

    The vascular clinician reviews your symptoms, visible veins, previous DVT or treatment, skin changes and relevant risk factors.

  2. 2

    Vein mapping

    Ultrasound gel is applied and the deep and superficial venous systems are examined systematically.

  3. 3

    Reflux testing

    Doppler is used while gentle calf compression, release, breathing or other appropriate manoeuvres assess valve competence and reverse flow.

  4. 4

    Standing assessment

    Where safe and clinically appropriate, parts of the scan may be performed standing to assess venous filling and reflux accurately.

  5. 5

    Results and next steps

    Key findings are explained and a written report documents the affected veins, with onward recommendations where appropriate.

Choosing the right vascular scan

Varicose vein Doppler, DVT scan or arterial Doppler?

Different vascular symptoms require different ultrasound protocols. Choosing the correct examination avoids incomplete assessment.

V

Varicose vein / reflux Doppler

Best for visible varicose veins, aching, heaviness, chronic swelling, skin changes and pre-treatment venous mapping.

D

DVT Doppler

Used for suspected deep-vein thrombosis, especially sudden unilateral pain, swelling, warmth or redness.

A

Arterial Doppler

Used for poor arterial circulation, cold feet, weak pulses, colour change or calf pain triggered by walking.

+

Combined vascular assessment

When symptoms are mixed or the cause of leg pain is unclear, a broader arterial and venous package may be more appropriate.

Book online

Book your private varicose vein ultrasound

Select the appropriate one-limb or two-limb option below.

One limb£249
Two limbs£449
  • Adults aged 18+
  • No GP referral required
  • Venous reflux and valve-function assessment
  • Written report for GP or vascular specialist

Unsure whether you need a reflux scan or DVT scan?
Call 020 7101 3377

Secure online booking

Book your scan

Choose a time that suits you — we search every eligible specialist and confirm your appointment instantly.

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  1. 1Appointment
  2. 2Your details
  3. 3Payment
  4. 4Confirmed

Why choose PrivateSono?

Specialist duplex mapping for venous insufficiency

The scan is designed to answer the treatment-relevant question: which veins are refluxing, where valve failure begins and how the abnormal superficial venous pathways are distributed.

Check appointments
✓

Duplex Doppler

Combines anatomy and real-time blood-flow information rather than looking at vein appearance alone.

✓

One or both limbs

Choose a targeted unilateral assessment or bilateral comparison according to symptoms and treatment needs.

✓

Treatment-relevant mapping

Documents incompetent superficial veins and junctions to support vascular or vein-specialist planning.

✓

Clear onward pathway

Your report can be shared with your GP or vascular specialist when intervention or further review is appropriate.

Clinic locations

Private varicose vein ultrasound in London and St Albans

Choose your preferred clinic and available appointment when booking.

Questions & answers

Varicose vein ultrasound FAQs

Concise answers for patients and search assistants.

Book varicose vein scan →
What is a varicose vein ultrasound scan? +

A varicose vein ultrasound, also called a venous insufficiency or reflux duplex scan, uses B-mode and Doppler ultrasound to map the leg veins, assess valve function and identify abnormal reverse blood flow that can cause varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

What does the scan check? +

The examination can assess the deep and superficial veins, including the great and small saphenous systems, junctions and relevant tributaries or perforators. It looks for venous reflux, valve incompetence, vein calibre, patency and treatment-relevant anatomy.

Is a varicose vein scan the same as a DVT scan? +

No. A varicose vein or venous-insufficiency scan is primarily a reflux and vein-mapping examination. A DVT Doppler scan is an urgent assessment for blood clot. If you have sudden one-sided swelling, pain, warmth or redness, especially with clot risk factors, a DVT scan or urgent medical assessment may be more appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral? +

No. Adults can self-refer for a PrivateSono varicose vein Doppler scan. If you already have a vascular, dermatology or vein-clinic letter, previous Doppler report or treatment history, bring it with you.

How should I prepare for the scan? +

No fasting is normally required. Wear loose clothing that allows the leg to be exposed from the groin to the ankle. Avoid heavy creams or oils immediately before the examination.

Will I need to stand during the scan? +

Often, yes. Venous reflux is commonly assessed with the patient standing or in a position that allows the veins to fill properly. The clinician may also use calf compression, release manoeuvres or other flow-provoking techniques.

How long does a varicose vein Doppler take? +

A focused one-limb venous insufficiency examination commonly takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Bilateral mapping usually takes longer because both venous systems need to be assessed and documented.

Can the scan help plan varicose vein treatment? +

Yes. Duplex mapping identifies which superficial veins and junctions are incompetent and helps a vascular or vein specialist plan treatments such as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy or other interventions when clinically appropriate.

What happens if significant venous reflux is found? +

The report documents the affected veins and relevant anatomy. Depending on the severity of symptoms and findings, you may be advised to discuss conservative management, compression, skin care or referral to a vascular or vein specialist for treatment options.

How much does the PrivateSono varicose vein scan cost? +

PrivateSono’s current service pages list £249 for one limb and £449 for two limbs. Check the booking form for the latest price and appointment availability before payment.

Private varicose vein Doppler

Map venous reflux and understand your treatment options

Book directly without a GP referral at PrivateSono in Central London or St Albans.

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