No, the Doppler ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive test with no known risks or side effects. It does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
Doppler ultrasound is highly effective in detecting blood clots in the deep veins (DVT) but may be less effective for detecting clots in smaller, superficial veins. For more complex cases, additional imaging tests like a CT angiogram may be recommended.
No, the procedure is painless. It involves moving a transducer over the skin, and there may be some mild pressure applied to assess blood flow, but it is not painful.
The results are usually reviewed by a radiologist and provided to your doctor within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the facility.