Carotid Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to image organs and other structures inside the body. A hand held device, called a transducer, is placed onto the skin surface near the area of interest, and sends out sound waves and “listens” as the sound waves bounce off objects and return to the transducer. Sound waves are then converted into an image that is seen on the ultrasound machine. This image can be frozen and stored for diagnostic use. At Sparrow Hospital, all transducers are high-resolution to ensure the most detailed and diagnostic image. One of the greatest benefits of Ultrasound imaging is that there are no known health risks.

A carotid ultrasound is performed on the blood vessels located on the sides of the neck. The technologist will examine the common carotid, external carotid, internal carotid and vertebral arteries. This includes the use Doppler ultrasound and duplex color imaging to evaluate blood flow. The technologist will turn the sound on and off at different intervals and will sound like a heart monitor.

There are many reasons to perform to perform a Carotid Ultrasound. Some of the common reasons include:

• To locate a blockage or clot.
• To assess the blood flow and check for narrowing of the blood vessel and bulging of the blood vessel wall.
• To check the blood vessel wall for weaknesses, splits, or tears.
• To identify masses or tumors.
• An increase in risk factors for vascular disease such as:
  • Advanced age
  • Diabetes
  • Elevated blood cholesterol
  • Family history of stroke or heart disease
  • Atherosclerotic disease
  • History of smoking

To prepare for the Carotid Ultrasound, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. A shirt that does not have a high collar is recommended. A gown will be provided to protect your clothing if necessary. Generally, the technologist will tuck in washcloths and you will not be required to change your clothing. Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures can be worn during the exam, but may be removed for comfort. Necklaces and earrings will be removed for the duration of the exam.

During the ultrasound exam, a gel is placed on the skin near the area of interest. The transducer is then placed directly onto the gel and moved around to obtain the necessary images. The gel acts as a conductor allowing the sound waves to penetrate into the body. The gel is water-soluble and non-irritating to the skin. This procedure can provide valuable information to both you and your health care provider about the blood vessels in your neck. When the technologist has completed all the necessary scans and images, the exam is complete.

Once the exam is complete, you will be free to leave. You can return to your regular schedule with no interruptions. A report will be generated in 48 hours and sent to your physician. If you need to take copies of the ultrasound exam to your doctor, films can be obtained at our centralized Film Library. If you have any questions, please contact our Ultrasound Department in the Sparrow Professional Building at 517-364-5645.

The Sparrow Radiology Ultrasound Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology and all sonographers are registered as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. For more information about the field of Ultrasound, visit American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.