Carotid Artery Duplex

This test is conducted to assess Carotid Artery Disease, which carries risk of a stroke.  The test is performed in patients who are at high risk for a stroke due to known risk factors, or have previously had a stroke. Learn more about Carotid Artery Disease.

During this test, a technician will use ultrasound equipment to take images of the carotid arteries (vessels in the neck that provide blood flow to the brain), monitoring how much blood flows and how fast it travels through them. The images will show if there is an abnormality or blockage of the carotid arteries that could lead to stroke.  If a vessel is narrowed by at least half, the risk of stroke increases.