Carotid Ultrasound
Private Carotid Ultrasound in London for £195, using Doppler imaging to assess carotid blood flow, plaque and arterial narrowing.
Turnaround time
1 day
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Overview of the Carotid Ultrasound
The Carotid Ultrasound is a non-invasive vascular scan used to assess the carotid arteries in the neck and the blood flowing through them.
The carotid arteries are major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain.
The scan combines conventional ultrasound with Doppler technology to assess the artery walls and measure blood-flow velocity.
This can identify atherosclerotic plaque and estimate whether an artery has become narrowed, known as carotid stenosis.
Carotid disease is clinically important because significant narrowing can increase the risk of transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, and stroke.
The scan may be recommended after a TIA or stroke, following detection of a carotid bruit, or to monitor previously identified carotid disease.
It should not be viewed as a universal stroke-screening test for every healthy person without symptoms or a clinical indication.
The examination is painless, does not involve needles and uses no ionising radiation.
This Carotid Ultrasound is available as a clinic visit only.
What Does the Carotid Ultrasound Assess?
The examination evaluates the structure of the carotid arteries and the movement of blood through them.
Common carotid arteries
Assesses the main carotid vessels running through each side of the neck.
Internal carotid arteries
Evaluates the arteries that provide a major blood supply to the brain.
External carotid arteries
Assesses the branches supplying structures outside the skull.
Carotid plaque
Identifies visible plaque within the arterial walls.
Arterial narrowing
Assesses whether plaque or other structural changes are reducing the arterial lumen.
Doppler blood-flow velocity
Measures blood-flow speed to help estimate the degree of narrowing.
Flow direction and waveform
Provides information about how blood is travelling through the carotid circulation.
Who May Benefit From the Carotid Ultrasound?
Carotid ultrasound is most useful when there is a defined vascular indication rather than as indiscriminate screening.
People who have experienced a TIA - Carotid stenosis is an important potential cause requiring investigation.
People who have had an ischaemic stroke - Carotid imaging may form part of vascular assessment.
People with a carotid bruit on examination - Ultrasound can determine whether significant narrowing is present.
People with known carotid artery disease - Repeat scans can monitor an established stenosis.
People being assessed by a vascular or stroke specialist - Doppler imaging can guide further management.
People with a previous abnormal carotid scan - Follow-up can assess progression or stability.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid stenosis itself often causes no symptoms until cerebral blood flow is affected or embolisation occurs.
Temporary weakness or numbness affecting one side of the body - This can be a symptom of TIA or stroke and requires urgent assessment.
Temporary loss of vision in one eye - Amaurosis fugax can be associated with carotid vascular disease.
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech - Sudden language disturbance can indicate a TIA or stroke.
A previous TIA or ischaemic stroke - Carotid imaging can help identify a potential arterial source.
A carotid bruit detected by a clinician - Doppler ultrasound can assess whether arterial narrowing is present.
Known carotid plaque requiring follow-up - Serial imaging can document change over time.
Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulty, loss of vision or other new neurological symptoms can represent a stroke or TIA and require emergency assessment.
A routine private Carotid Ultrasound should never delay urgent stroke care.
How to Prepare for the Carotid Ultrasound
No special preparation is usually needed for a carotid ultrasound.
This service is performed in clinic only.
What Happens During the Carotid Ultrasound?
Is the Carotid Ultrasound Safe?
Carotid ultrasound uses sound waves and Doppler technology.
It does not use ionising radiation and does not usually involve contrast injections or needles.
The examination is non-invasive and generally painless.
Mild pressure from the probe may be noticeable over the neck but should not normally cause significant discomfort.
How to Book Your Carotid Ultrasound
The Carotid Ultrasound can be booked privately in London for clinically appropriate vascular assessment.
Choose the Carotid Ultrasound
Select the private carotid Doppler scan online.
Choose your appointment
Select an available clinic date and time.
Follow the preparation instructions
No fasting or special fluid preparation is normally required.
Attend the clinic
A qualified vascular imaging professional performs the examination.
Receive your report
The Doppler findings are reviewed and an authorised report is returned securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current turnaround is approximately 1 day after the scan.
The report may include comments on plaque, blood-flow velocities and whether significant stenosis is present.
Clinically important findings can require GP, stroke, vascular or cardiology review.
What Can the Carotid Ultrasound Detect?
Carotid atherosclerotic plaque - Ultrasound can identify plaque within the arterial walls.
Carotid stenosis - Doppler measurements can estimate whether an artery is significantly narrowed.
Altered blood flow - Abnormal velocities or waveforms can indicate vascular disease.
Carotid occlusion - Severe disease can occasionally result in complete arterial blockage.
Changes in known carotid disease - Follow-up scanning can assess progression or stability.
What Can the Carotid Ultrasound Detect?
Carotid atherosclerotic plaque - Ultrasound can identify plaque within the arterial walls.
Carotid stenosis - Doppler measurements can estimate whether an artery is significantly narrowed.
Altered blood flow - Abnormal velocities or waveforms can indicate vascular disease.
Carotid occlusion - Severe disease can occasionally result in complete arterial blockage.
Changes in known carotid disease - Follow-up scanning can assess progression or stability.
Limitations of the Carotid Ultrasound
It does not image the entire cerebral circulation - Intracranial arteries require other imaging techniques.
It cannot predict a future stroke with certainty - It identifies vascular abnormalities and risk factors rather than exact future events.
Some anatomy may be difficult to visualise - Deep or high arterial segments can occasionally be technically challenging.
Further imaging may be required - CT angiography or MR angiography may be recommended for treatment planning.
Routine population screening is not always appropriate - The value of the scan depends on symptoms and clinical indication.
Why Book the Carotid Ultrasound With London Blood Tests?
Private vascular imaging in London - Access carotid Doppler assessment without a lengthy routine pathway.
Detailed arterial assessment - Both vessel structure and blood flow are examined.
Radiation-free imaging - The scan uses ultrasound rather than X-rays.
Useful after TIA or stroke assessment - Carotid disease can be investigated where clinically appropriate.
Can monitor known stenosis - Repeat imaging can document change over time.
Professional imaging report - Findings are documented in an authorised report.
Clinic-based service - The scan is performed in an appropriate imaging setting.
Clear pricing - The Carotid Ultrasound costs £195.
Private Carotid Ultrasound in London
London Blood Tests provides private Carotid Ultrasound appointments in London for people requiring assessment of the carotid arteries and neck blood flow.
The scan costs £195 and is available as a clinic visit only.
The examination uses duplex Doppler ultrasound and does not involve ionising radiation.
The authorised report is expected in approximately 1 day.