Why have a Carotid Scan?
Your doctor may ask you to have a carotid ultrasound for a number of reasons; including prior to cardiac surgery, after unusual "turns" and after a suspected stroke.
Preparation
It is advisable to wear an open-neck shirt or top and not a high necked or collared top, to make it easier to access the vessels of the neck. Please bring any relevant x-rays or scans.
Who does the test?
A Sonographer (Technologist trained specifically in ultrasound) will perform the examination.
The Procedure.
You will be asked to lie on a bed and bare your neck. Gel will be spread on your neck, which will allow us to obtain high quality images. A small towel will be used to protect your clothes.
When the Sonographer performs this scan, they will be using colour and pulsed Doppler, which means you will see different colours on the TV monitor and hear different sounds.
The Sonographer may tap you on the side of your head gently during the exam; this is to help identify different vessels.
You will be asked not to talk when the transducer is on your neck, as talking will make the vessels move.
How long does it take?
The procedure takes 30-40 minutes.
After the examination
The Radiologist will review the ultrasound images and provide a written report to your doctor.
Please settle your account on the day of the examination
Please contact Hamilton Radiology on 07-839 4909 or 0800 HAMRAD (0800 426723) for an appointment.