Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that can be used to estimate the blood flow through your blood vessels by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off circulating red blood cells.

1. Blood clots
2. Poorly functioning valves in your leg veins, which can cause blood or other fluids to pool in your legs (venous insufficiency)
3. A blocked artery (arterial occlusion)
4. Decreased blood circulation into your legs (peripheral artery disease)
5. Bulging arteries (aneurysms)
6. Narrowing of an artery, such as in your neck (carotid artery stenosis)

This test may be done as an alternative to more invasive procedures, such as angiography, which involves injecting dye into the blood vessels so that they show up clearly on X-ray images.

A Doppler ultrasound test may also help your doctor check for injuries to your arteries or to monitor certain treatments to your veins and arteries.