Color Doppler is a technique in which colors superimposed on an image of a blood vessel indicate the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessel.
Color doppler test is a type of ultrasound test. In an ultrasound, high-frequency sounds waves are emitted into your body, and the way the sound reflects creates pictures on a monitor. Color doppler test is used to determine the presence of blood clots if present in the body as well as for detecting blockages in the arteries and for the detection of Deep Vein Thrombosis.
A Color Doppler may help diagnose many conditions, including:
Penile Doppler: in cases of erectile dysfunction.
A blocked artery (arterial occlusion).
Narrowing of an artery, such as in your neck (carotid artery stenosis).
Decreased blood circulation into your legs (peripheral artery disease).
Blood clots In the vein (DVT).
Poorly functioning valves in your leg veins, which can cause blood to pool in your legs (venous insufficiency).
For a Doppler ultrasound on your belly, your doctor may tell you to fast for 6 to 12 hours before the test. That means you won't be able to eat or drink anything during that time. You'll only be able to drink a small amount of water to take your regular medicines.
A Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless procedure that doesn't expose you to harmful radiation. There are no risks associated with this test, and most people feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.