Doppler Ultrasound for the Legs: What It Is and How It’s Done

Published at 05 January 2026

Doppler ultrasound is used to assess blood flow in various parts of the body, including the heart, abdomen, brain, arms, and legs. Here, we take a closer look at its use specifically for the legs.(1)

1. What is Doppler ultrasound for the legs and why is it used?

A Doppler ultrasound is a simple, non-painful test that uses sound waves to examine the strength of blood flow in the main veins and arteries of your legs. This test helps your doctor diagnose many conditions affecting circulation in the legs, such as: (1)(2)

Blood clots in the legs.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying blood to the legs.
Venous insufficiency, where the valves in leg veins are weak, causing blood and fluid to pool in the lower legs.
Varicose veins.
Arterial stiffening in the legs.

Doppler ultrasound can also help detect arterial injuries in the legs and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for previously diagnosed conditions.

2. How does the test work and what are the steps?

The Doppler device sends high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves bounce off moving blood cells in the blood vessels. The device records the returning waves and analyzes changes in their frequency to determine the speed and direction of blood flow.(3)

The general steps of the test include:(3)

The radiology specialist will ask you to lie on your back on the examination table.
A small amount of gel is applied to your legs.
The specialist moves the Doppler probe slowly over your legs. You will not feel the sound waves, and the procedure is painless.
The specialist obtains clear images of blood flow in your legs.
The gel is wiped off, and the test is complete.

Al Ahli Hospital’s radiology department is equipped with the latest imaging technologies and devices to ensure accurate results and fast diagnosis.

3. How should I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is needed for a leg Doppler ultrasound. It is recommended to wear loose pants so they can be easily rolled up during the examination. (4)

4. Are there any risks with Doppler ultrasound?

No, the test is very safe—even for pregnant women. Despite the name, Doppler ultrasound does not use X-rays or any radiation, so there is no risk associated with it. (1)

5. What do the results mean?

The result could be normal which means that your leg veins and arteries are healthy, blood flow is normal, and there are no clots or narrowing. (1)

On the other hand, an abnormal result may indicate a blood clot, weak blood flow, or other vascular issues. Depending on the findings, additional tests may be needed to confirm the results. (1)

References