Carotid Ultrasound Imaging

The test is simple and painless. It usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes and does not require any needles or injections.

During the test:

1. You’ll be asked to lie on your back on an examination couch.

2. A water-based gel will be applied to your neck.

3. The sonographer or radiologist will move a small handheld device (transducer) over the skin to capture images of your carotid arteries.

4. You may hear a “whooshing” sound, which represents blood flow picked up by the ultrasound (Doppler).

You’ll be able to go home straight after the test.

A carotid ultrasound is very safe. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use radiation. Risks are extremely rare, but include:

• mild discomfort from pressure applied by the probe

• slight skin irritation from the gel (uncommon)

No special preparation is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

We recommend wearing a loose-fitting top or shirt with an open collar so that your neck can be easily examined. 

There’s no recovery period after a carotid ultrasound. You can return to normal activities immediately. Your results will be reviewed by one of our consultant radiologists, and your referring doctor or specialist will discuss the findings with you.

Please contact our Imaging & Diagnostics centre or Heart Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a carotid ultrasound imaging appointment, you must be referred by either your GP or a heart health specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.