A varicose vein Doppler (duplex) ultrasound scan is the painless, radiation-free test that maps blood flow in your leg veins to confirm reflux and plan the right treatment.
Hear the summary of the text below from the following voice:
| If you’re wondering… | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Does it hurt? | No — just gentle probe pressure and cool gel; no needles or radiation. |
| How long does it take? | 30–45 minutes per leg, including lying and standing positions. |
| Do I need a referral? | No GP referral is required; you can self-refer or be referred by a doctor. |
| Will it check for DVT too? | Yes, it assesses the deep veins too — though sudden swelling or severe calf pain needs urgent care, not a routine booking. |
| One leg or both? | Either — book a single-limb or bilateral scan depending on your symptoms. |
Definition
A duplex ultrasound scan combines greyscale imaging, which shows the physical structure of your veins, with Doppler imaging, which tracks the direction and speed of blood flow inside them. Together they map the superficial and deep venous system, test each valve for reflux (blood flowing backwards) and help rule out obstruction such as a clot — using only high-frequency sound waves, with no needles, dye or radiation. Because it confirms both anatomy and physiology, duplex ultrasound is the essential first step before any varicose vein treatment is planned.
When and Why We Use Varicose Vein Doppler Scan
We recommend a duplex scan whenever varicose veins are visible or symptomatic, or when treatment is being planned or reviewed.
Clinical Indications
| Symptom or sign | What it may indicate |
|---|---|
| Visible bulging or twisted veins | Truncal or tributary vein reflux |
| Leg heaviness or aching after standing | Venous insufficiency |
| Cramps or restless legs | Reduced venous return |
| Ankle swelling | Chronic venous hypertension |
| Skin discolouration or ulcers | Long-standing venous disease |
| Suspected or past DVT | Deep vein involvement needing exclusion |
Purpose & Benefits
The scan builds a detailed map of your venous system, used to confirm or rule out reflux and exclude DVT. Alongside your clinician’s examination and your symptoms, it forms the evidence base for deciding which treatment — if any — is appropriate. It also creates an accurate baseline, so a follow-up scan can objectively show how much the reflux has improved.
Comparison with Visual Exam Only
A visual check alone can’t tell you which veins are actually refluxing or how badly, because the veins visible on the surface don’t always match the underlying problem.
| Feature | Visual exam only | Duplex ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Surface appearance only | Vein structure and blood flow direction |
| Objectivity | Subjective, clinician-dependent | Measured reflux times and vein diameters |
| Guides treatment | No | Yes — confirms which veins to treat |
| Detects DVT | No | Yes |
Limitations / When Further Imaging Is Needed
Duplex ultrasound can be harder to interpret in patients with obesity, significant oedema, or very small superficial veins, since these can limit probe contact and image clarity. In complex or recurrent cases — for example, unusual pelvic or abdominal vein involvement — your clinician may recommend CT or MR venography alongside the ultrasound for a fuller picture.
What Your Scan / Service Includes
Your appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes per leg.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Positioning | You lie down, then stand, so gravity helps reveal reflux |
| Scanning | Warm gel and a probe are moved along your superficial and deep veins |
| Compression tests | Gentle calf squeezes check how blood responds within the vein |
| Valsalva manoeuvre | A brief breath-hold highlights reflux at the groin |
| Measurements | Reflux time and vein diameter are recorded at each point |
| Images & report | Still images or clips are saved; you get a same-day verbal summary and a written report with an annotated vein map |
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive a few minutes early to register, wearing loose trousers or shorts so your legs are easy to access. You’ll be asked to hold your breath briefly and change position from lying to standing — the only sensation is gentle probe pressure and cool gel, and it’s entirely painless throughout. Before you leave, your sonographer gives you an initial verbal summary, with your full written report to follow shortly after.
Who Performs the Scan & Equipment Used
Your scan is carried out by an accredited vascular sonographer or radiologist specialising in vascular imaging, using high-frequency linear probes with colour and spectral Doppler — the combination that makes reflux measurements and vein mapping reliable enough to guide treatment decisions.
Safety, Limitations & Contraindications
Duplex ultrasound is non-invasive and safe — no injections, dyes or radiation, just mild pressure from the probe. As noted above, obesity, significant swelling, dressings, or difficulty lying flat can limit image quality. We may also ask you to rearrange if you have an open wound or recent surgery near the scan site, so the area can heal first. This is a routine diagnostic scan rather than an emergency test: if you have sudden leg swelling, redness or severe calf pain suggestive of an acute clot, seek urgent medical care (A&E or NHS 111) rather than waiting for a booked appointment. The scan also includes a brief breath-hold (Valsalva manoeuvre) — let your sonographer know beforehand if you have a heart condition or uncontrolled high blood pressure, so this step can be adapted.
Pricing & Booking
| Scan type | What’s included | Typical London range |
|---|---|---|
| Single-leg Doppler scan | Scan, same-day verbal summary, written report | £200–£350 |
| Both-leg Doppler scan | Both legs scanned in one visit, full report | £350–£500 |
| Consultation add-on | Clinician review of results and treatment options | Varies by clinic |
Prices vary between London clinics depending on whether a consultation is bundled with the scan, so treat the ranges above as a guide — we’ll confirm your exact price when you book. We accept self-pay and most major private health insurers, and you can book online, by phone, or by email. Please give us as much notice as you can if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Locations
| Clinic | Address | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Central London (Holborn) | 1–5 Portpool Lane, Medical Room, EC1N 7UU | Nearest tube: Chancery Lane / Farringdon; bus 55 or 243 from Rosebery Avenue (not step-free) |
| Banstead, Surrey | 63 Nork Way, SM7 1HL | Bus 164; 7-minute walk from Banstead station; on-site parking; fully accessible |
Both clinics offer the same scan, equipment and reporting standards — choose whichever is easiest to reach. Call or text 020 3318 1373, 7am–10pm daily, to check availability at either site.
Integration with Treatment & Follow-Up
Every treatment plan at Phoenix Ultrasound starts with this diagnostic scan. Your results show exactly which veins are refluxing and by how much; your clinician combines this with a clinical examination of your legs and symptoms to decide whether laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy is the best fit — or whether no treatment is needed at all. If you go ahead, a follow-up scan afterwards confirms the treated vein has closed and checks for new reflux, usually a few weeks after your procedure.
Our Clinicians & Specialist Team
Our scans are performed by accredited vascular sonographers and radiologists, many with NHS backgrounds, working alongside consultants experienced in the full range of varicose vein treatments. Where possible, the same consultant follows you from your first scan through to treatment and follow-up, so your care stays joined-up rather than passed between strangers.
References & Governance
Duplex ultrasound is the assessment recommended by NICE for suspected varicose veins, and our sonographers follow protocols set by professional vascular ultrasound bodies. According to NICE:
“…duplex ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis of varicose veins and the extent of truncal reflux”
Phoenix Ultrasound is CQC-registered, and every clinician holds current, verifiable accreditation for vascular ultrasound scanning. This scan provides diagnostic information only — any decision about treatment is made by a vascular specialist, taking your full clinical picture into account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No — you can book directly without a referral, though we’re happy to liaise with your GP if you have one.
How long does the scan take?
Most single-leg scans take 30–45 minutes; allow extra time if you’re booking both legs in one visit.
Is it painful?
No. You’ll feel gentle probe pressure and cool gel, but there are no needles, dye or radiation involved.
Will it also detect DVT?
Yes — the same duplex scan checks the deep veins for clots as well as assessing superficial reflux. If you have sudden swelling or severe calf pain, though, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Can I book a scan for both legs?
Yes, bilateral scans are available in a single appointment and are common when symptoms affect both legs.
How quickly will I get my report and results?
You’ll get a verbal summary on the day, and your full written report with an annotated vein map follows shortly after.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose trousers or shorts make it easiest for your sonographer to scan your legs without delay.
Will my results tell me if I need treatment?
Your report shows which veins are refluxing and by how much. Your clinician combines this with your symptoms and a clinical examination to recommend, or rule out, treatment — the scan is one part of that decision, not the whole of it.
Leave a Reply